We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jeanette Dozier. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jeanette below.

Jeanette, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

I became a Makeup Artist by accident. I was always a tomboy and wasn’t into girly things; I just needed a good pair of jeans and some tennis shoes. I wasn’t aware of how I looked to others and I don’t think I cared, with the exception of the hyper pigmentation on my cheeks, chin and neck. After time, I started to venture out and was exposed to other experiences I became increasingly insecure about the spots on my face. My best friend took me to The MAC Store and brought me my first “real” lipstick. I was hooked and I was there every paycheck.

I would attend MAC events when they had a new line and I would get my face done and then replicate the looks once I was on my own. My hyperpigmentation motivated me to learn to apply my own makeup and I began to take classes and practiced on whoever would let me for fun.

I was working in education at that time and I hated it. I toyed with the idea of doing makeup but was still not confident in my skills. One day when all hell was breaking loose in the school, I decided I needed to stop playing with the idea of being a makeup artist and put some action into my thoughts and desires. That day I went into an empty classroom and booked a bus ticket and hotel to New York for The Makeup Show. I didn’t tell a soul I was going. I wasn’t even supposed to be able to attend because I didn’t have any credentials, but I always say God was on my side and I was able to attend. It was amazing. All of that was a sign I was on to something; but little did I know where it would take me.

It took me some time to seek out real clients other than friends. I was unsure of my skill set but I knew that I needed to push through my insecurities and take on clients if I was going to grow. One of my coworkers asked me to do her daughter’s makeup for her prom. I nervously accepted and did my best, but it was clear that I needed more training, so I took any and every class I could find to improve my skills.

When I thought I had improved enough to “go public”, I started a profile page on a website ( Thumbtack). I got my first “real” client, a young lady celebrating her sweet 16. It was at that moment that I felt I was real makeup artist. They loved my work and I was elated.

As a young person I felt as if my professional life had no real direction until I discovered makeup artistry. I took whatever jobs fell in my lap and lacked passion for my daily work, which did nothing for my self-esteem and self-image. Choosing to be a Makeup Artist showed me that I was more than all the negative thoughts I had about myself. It has brought me passion, drive, an improved self-image and self-worth to degrees that I never thought possible. It was the dream I never saw coming and I never want to wake up from.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m an Internationally Published Professional Master Makeup Artist from Baltimore, MD. I have been a professional makeup artist since 2015. Makeup artistry is a career I never saw coming, but now I can’t imagine doing anything else. It all began with a friend taking me to the MAC store and purchasing one lipstick for me. It sparked a curiosity and now a passion for makeup. I am constantly studying and practicing in an effort to perfect my craft. I have traveled to Jamaica, The US Virgin Islands, Miami, California and countless other states to do what I love.

Every client I meet is beautiful, and my job is to make them feel that way. Whether it’s their first time wearing makeup, a bride on her special day or a professional model, it is my goal to make the client feel their most confident and highly satisfied with my work. With my home base in Baltimore, MD (DMV), I’m a go-to makeup artist for parties, events, weddings and makeovers. I offer makeup for all sorts of occasions and use only the best quality products on your skin. I love accentuating the natural features of my clients by creating a seamless, complimentary look that is sure to turn heads! I keep a professional, positive attitude and am often requested for my infectious spirit and passion for the beauty industry.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

While I was just getting into my groove professionally (finding steady clients and beginning to be recognized for my quality of service), I had a terrible accident and was left with trouble walking and the inability to stand for an extended period time. I thought my makeup career was over. I was devastated and felt pretty lost yet I knew I wasn’t done and I had to get creative to get back in the game. I would stand as much as I could but lean or sit when doing faces as needed. I thank God I didn’t give up. There have been many times I felt like giving up; dealing with feelings that I’m not good enough or I was not able to do what other makeup artists do. I learned that there is a room for us all in this industry. Despite my unforeseen physical challenges, I was just as busy as ever. I did New York Fashion Week 2020, published in Europe, local fashion shows and dozens of amazing clients after that hurdle. I’m not done with this gift and its not done with me.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

The biggest lesson I had to unlearn is not believing in myself and understanding that a “no” response is okay. There are so many types of makeup artist and so many techniques to use. I had to learn my lane and the kind of artist I wanted to be. I’ve honestly only had about 3 clients that weren’t satisfied with my services and that’s out of over 100+, so that’s not to bad. I do tend to take everything to heart, but I wouldn’t let that stop or deter me from striving to get better and make my mark in the industry. I’m so blessed to have an amazing support group and along with my last masterclass teacher Kenyatta Green, I was able to find my lane and learn to be confident and secure in my skills.

Contact Info:

• Website: Jdozierartistry.com
• Instagram: MACGURL627_MUA
• Facebook: Jeanette Dozier
• Linkedin: Jeanette Dozier

Image Credits
IG- i@amshotbysean @glammierllc @eyeimagery