Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jessica Ariane. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jessica, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

My professional Makeup Artist career began in 2009. Then, I provided makeup services for prom girls, graduations, and special events. I didn’t know how vast the beauty industry was, but I knew I wanted to apply myself and be amongst the best.

After much research, I enrolled in a makeup school in New York City. The curriculum was challenging at times but in hindsight, necessary. Taught by industry professionals, we were prepped for what the demands would look like as a beauty pro in the real world. We did speed drills consistently, learned set hierarchy, the rules of assisting, color theory, makeup for TV & film, SPFX, Period Makeup, Airbrush, Beauty, and most importantly, hygienic & sanitation practices on and off set.

After my program, I was on fire. I moved back to DC and started working in cosmetic retail because I enjoyed the repetition and spontaneity of doing makeup on every skin tone, age, and gender on any given day. I always saved my money to treat myself bi-annually to masterclasses by makeup professionals that inspired me. I also read books, watched DVDs, Youtube videos, duplicated the makeup I would see in fashion magazines, and booked beauty shoots to challenge myself and grow my portfolio.

My learning process could’ve been sped up had I focused on my niche – Beauty – sooner. After makeup school, I wanted to be bomb at everything. I had to come to terms with the fact that I am not going to be exceptional at everything and that’s OKAY! My niche is beauty makeup – specifically, Polished, Clean Glam & Sexy Skin. I adore it and tailor my makeup kit to reflect what I consistently get booked for in my market.

In my 13 years of business, I’ve found CONSISTENCY to be the most essential skill. Consistency beats talent any day. Showing up for yourself consistently will always produce results. Write it down and Stick to it, start over if you have to. Affirm yourself. Follow people who are positive and who inspire you. Build a community of creatives that are just as hungry as you. It’s not about speed, It’s about endurance. Obstacles are really just a test of your endurance. Failures are learning opportunities. If God placed it in your heart, It is your job to give birth to it and to live in the fullness of God’s dream for your life.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I am a Professional Makeup Artist and Educator based in Washington, DC. My makeup specialty is Polished, Clean Glam & Sexy Skin. I render mobile beauty services for clients who enjoy the convenience of having a beauty professional prep them in the comfort of their own home. You get to feel like a celebrity on the occasion you’re booking me for.

I handle every client with care and take immense pride in ensuring my kit is fully stocked with the best quality products and tools. I’m grateful for the great reviews, referrals, and repeat clients that have kept me in business for 13 years. I look forward to the evolution of my brand and providing value to my clients via social media through education.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the most important lessons I had to unlearn is “perfection”. As a creative, my senses are trained to fix the flaws, to make things beautiful, balanced, and harmonious. Through my special Effects makeup experiences, I learned that there is beauty when art mimicks life’s perfect imperfections. Who sets the standard of perfection anway? I am team – show your freckles, your unibrow, your gray, your wrinkles , scars, vitiligo..etc..and simply be the best version of yourself. Internally and Externally.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is getting to a place in your journey where you know, undoubtedly, that you are right where you were destined to be.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jessicaariane.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/jayariane.makeup/
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/jayarianemua/

Image Credits
Xang Photography Michael Woodward Photography