We were lucky to catch up with Jacqui Moore recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jacqui, thanks for joining us today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

I am almost there! I consider myself lucky to have had the amount of work I have had this year considering this was my first year being a full time independent makeup artist. I actually went full time in March but had my first job of the year in February and I pretty much hit the ground running.

I was introduced to a amazing brand photographer who was fairly new to the Austin area and making a name for herself as well. We worked together for a networking photoshoot and we just clicked! She started recommending me to her clients for their photoshoots and the rest is history! Word of mouth started to travel and I began to get inquiries from people who saw I did their friends makeup or got my name from a group of women. It was really exciting to hear from my new clients where they discovered me and they usually end up knowing some of my previous clients which is always a good time!

When I decided to get back into the beauty world, I was actually working full time as a makeup artist for Chanel at Ulta. I was juggling full time with Chanel and taking clients independently before or after work and on my days off. It was only several months into this year, the demand for my services was growing. I decided to take the plunge and quit my full time job with Chanel and do this on my own. In only a matter of 5 months, I have gained 30 amazing clients, I have been published 3 times and I have an amazing support system behind me, cheering me on. Personally, I do not think this would have played out any better if I had done this differently. My shorty time with Chanel introduced me to some amazing clients of mine and without them, none of this would have been possible.

Jacqui, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Born and raised in San Antonio, Texas in the mid 80’s. I was surrounded by end of the 80’s fashion and the birth of 90’s grunge/supermodel era. I absolutely LOVE the esthetics of the 80’s and 90’s fashions. People were not afraid to start going outside of the box and experimenting with colors and shapes rather than stick to the normal standards of “beauty”. I love makeup because I see it as there are no rules when it comes to makeup. Everyone uses makeup for so many different reasons, its personal and I am here for it.

I finally decided around 2015 I wanted to be in the beauty industry after being in retail sales for years. I got my opportunity in 2016 when a new Nordstrom was being constructed in my area. I was recruited from my sales job to apply for a position in the beauty department. After several interviews, I was offered a position for a counter manger for a skincare brand. I spent 2 years there, managed 2 skincare brands and absorbed every ounce of education/knowledge I could while being there.

I am self taught makeup artists. I educated myself every chance I got and continue to. Between youtube tutorials, asking countless questions to educators and practice, my craft and expertise grew daily. Because I absorb information like a sponge, I learned I love to educate! I love to explain and break down products to people/clients. Point them in the right direction because I know how overwhelming retail beauty stores/information can be. So, additional to doing makeup for clients, I also provide private lessons and shopping trips with clients to further educate on products best suited for them. I know because of my knowledge, my clients walk away confidently from our session and educated.

I’m proud of all the late nights I put into educating myself with everything beauty relative, practiced on my days off to get it just right, asked questions and was not afraid to get out of my comfort zone with trying something new. When it comes to my work and my clients, I make sure they understand I wont do anything they are uncomfortable with, to make sure and speak up when they do not like something in particular so I can fix it. Whatever my client asks for, I make sure and deliver to the best of my ability.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

This is a hard one to just name one! For me, there are several rewarding aspects. First, the people I connect with, About 90% of my client base are entrepreneurs and to hear/learn about their background is always fascinating for me. Secondly, because my services are broad, I love knowing I can deliver exactly what my client is asking for. And personally speaking, when I create on myself, I love to push the envelope with creativity and go completely outside of the box. Again, beauty is subjective and with makeup, there are no rules. I am a firm believer, you do what makes you happy.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Honestly, I don’t have a mission on my journey. I do have goals in place on this journey. Even though I am doing this independently, I would love to work with a beauty brand as a Global Makeup Artist creating campaign looks/trends. To soak up the knowledge in that role would be a dream for me. I would love also love to travel for my work, providing my services on amazing locations around with world. I would also love to be an educator for a brand or independently, hosting master classes of all types surrounding beauty.

Currently, my goal is to meet all my clients expectations and wants. Make sure they are satisfied and happy 110%. I have heard many a times from my clients about their not so great experiences with getting their makeup done so I always try and go above and beyond for my clients.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacquimmua/
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-moore-27b896161

Image Credits
Julianna Rennard Aubré Salas