We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jenny Karl a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Jenny, thanks for joining us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?
Young make up artists always ask me how I did it… The answer is actually pretty simple. I have an insatiable work ethic, passion for my art, and respect for my industry and my peers. To me, this comes easily. Is it something that I was born with… that’s Innately just in me? Was it my generation and how I was raised? Perhaps both. I’m not sure if these are qualities that can be taught, but I will surely try to pass on my wisdom to the younger generation if I’m called on for advice.
Jenny, 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?
I am a decades experienced #crueltyfree beauty makeup artist and hair stylist based in Los Angeles. I was born and raised in NJ, where I started my beauty career at the age of 17 as an artist in the Garden Botanika color studio. I worked there for many years while studying for my Bachelor’s degree at The College of New Jersey.
After graduation, I continued to pursue a career in the beauty industry, working for well known cosmetics company MAC cosmetics, while continuing to freelance in Manhattan and Philadelphia. After an almost 10 year career on the east coast, I moved west to pursue new opportunities in the field of beauty and persevere as a freelance hair and makeup artist in Los Angeles.
I specialize in Airbrush Foundation, Beauty, HD for Print, Film & Television, Fashion, Special Event, and Men’s Grooming. After over 2 decades in the industry, as an expert in my field, I’ve written for the health and beauty sections of numerous publications and blogs, as well as hosted a makeup how-to series for Ehow.com. I also specialize in artist training and have worn a co-producer hat, joining forces with writer, David Barry, to bring to life award winning YouTube series, Tinsel’s Town!
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Moving across the country from the East Coast to the West Coast was one of the hardest things I ever did as a young artist and person. Leaving my family/friends/clients… to try and pursue something bigger, different, trying to evolve as a young woman, and artist. It was exciting and extremely scary. I think what helped me excel and evolve in a new place, basically starting over… was my desire to succeed over any obstacle. Failure was just not an option. Secondary to that was my drive to learn and work ethic. I never wanted to let anyone down, especially myself! My sheer will propelled me.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
At this moment, I work so much because of word of mouth referrals. Not only have I had the same clients for over a decade, but I do not have to advertise anymore in the traditional way. Building my reputation was actually pretty easy. I worked hard, I respected every job, and treated the lower paid ones the same as any other. That attitude, as well as continuing to learn my craft so I could get better and better, has created longevity. It wasn’t luck… It was a lot of hard work. And I enjoyed every moment of it:)
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.Jennykarl.com
- Instagram: @jennykarlmakeup
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JennyKarlMakeup?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-karl-57238914
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@jennykarlmakeup
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=T-j9SMVffvESwNOTWTBMqA&utm_source=ishare
Image Credits
Megan Lyn Photography