Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jordan Petefish Smith. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Jordan, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.
The biggest challenge in my industry is finding a way to stand out. Each artist can offer something different or the same. I would say, I stand out because of my experience in this field.I have seen it time and time again, other artists are to stiff and give off this “I’m a professional so act like it” mind set and it stops them from being relatable. I want you to feel comfortable and happy with your experience. We will get hyped if you need it, We will chill if you need it. I offer a full service. What you get from me is just that, an experience. You will experience not only a great look, but also leave knowing you want to come back.
Jordan, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Hi, I’m Jordan. I’m 30 years old now and I have been working in the event hair and makeup field for 9 years nonstop now. How I got started? In 2009 I joined theater in high school. That opened the door to hair and makeup. I then attended cosmetology school at Gainesville Cosmetology and felt. It wasn’t teaching me what I needed nor wanted to know. So, after leaving, I went back into the theater world and trained for 5 years under some amazing teachers and applied for my makeup certification. 9 years all in, and I’m still in LOVE with my choice. I will finally be returning to cosmetology school to further myself and talent in other branches of the field, starting January 9th, 2023! With a Small family of myself, my husband Tyler and my 2-year-old daughter Emmalaina, life is about to take a big twist. What sets me apart from others is my mission for starting my business. Not only is it about putting makeup on faces and styling hair, but it also getting to know those you serve. Never let a client leave without learning something about them and why they chose you. You would be surprised at how many clients I book solely off my personality being described by others. I want my potential client to know that when you book with me it’s going to feel like we’ve been friends for a while. I want to hear your side of the story and picture your vison with you. I want to know that you are 100% satisfied and not just in my work but also with me. Call me a people pleaser, I sure am, and proud to be. I’m so proud of the brand I have created and I’m working harder every day to continue that.
I have some dreams that still have time to come true. I’d love to share them with you now. I service Georgia for the most part but I’m a traveler at heart. I would love to be flown all over for weddings because I’m that sought after. I want my name on a building of my own with a studio / salon that has everything for my clients. Makeup, jewelry you name it. I want to a team to work with that I’m able to lead in the same direction. I see it all and I’m not afraid to claim these dreams. I know that they will come true.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
I have had to learn how to manage some good looks from mistakes. I was at a wedding and in the middle of a bridesmaid my air brush machine quit on me. Now the biggest part of this problem was, the bride paid for air brush and want only air brush on everyone. So, when I told her it had dies on me, you can imagine how upset shew was. Her dream wedding just got blown up because how she wanted her makeup, how her trial went, was not about to happen. Me over here trying to console her and tell her I can make the cream makeup look the same. I won’t put so much on; I will make sure it feels the same. Not to self, it won’t feel the same. Air brush is so light weight and that why it’s loved by so many. Fast forward a bit, I started to do the brides makeup and she instantly is already hating it. “It feels too thick”, I diluted it with a serum, so it was lighter. “It feels cakey”, I wasn’t putting anything matte on her face, so it felt light weight. “You know what Jordan, I’m just…” and at that moment I pushed the mirror in her face, and she was so impressed at her face that she instantly started to tear up because in that moment, she knew she hired the right person. My skill is nothing but trial and error. That is how i have become the best in my town. That is why i know I am the best bridal makeup artist out here because of my knowledge and what I’ve been through as a makeup artist.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
I pivoted in 2020, Covid changed so much for us all that. I had to find ways to keep clients coming. I partnered up with a friend to have a bridal team and we were taking Newnan by storm. During that time in spring 2021, she reminds me of a very lucrative luxury, Spray Tanning. It’s been around for so long but has recently been blowing up even more in our town. That reminder reminded me of when I first was introduced to Spray tanning. I started working at the age of 12 and my Nana owned 3 Tanning salons. And I remember the day we got the first spray tan solution and how we set it up. Man, what a great idea but poorly executed on their part. I honestly don’t remember if we even had anyone use it. Tanning beds were warm and relaxing and spray tans are very cold and quick. I started spray tanning with Beauty by Katie Wentworth, formally known as Ready Set Glow Studio in downtown Newnan mid spring 2021. From there I thought about becoming a certified technician. I then enrolled in the National Spray Tan Association and graduated in 2 months! I have been taking spray tan clients sense Summer 2021 and now I’m so excited to have added to my list of services. My Spray tans range from $25-60, and I have so many types of solutions to choose from. When you realize that you need more business don’t be afraid to add something new that is in demand, or that someone else does. Just make sure you are doing best you can and only focus on you. That’s what I’ve had to tell myself over the years.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.hmuajordanpsmith.com
- Instagram: @hmau.jordanpsmith
- Facebook: @hmua.jordanpsmith
- Other: tiktok @hmuajordanpsmith linktree www.linktr.ee/hmua.jordanpsmith
Image Credits
@emmanuelbrooks_