We were lucky to catch up with Jessica Lara recently and have shared our conversation below.
Jessica, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
I knew I wanted to pursue my makeup artistry professionally when I booked my first wedding from an OfferUp ad in 2017. I have had the desire for doing makeup on youtube and on clients for a couple of years but never had the courage to start. The 2 years prior to starting I was testing the waters with family and friends. They would always encourage me, but I was never willing to put the kit together. The day I posted the ad on OfferUp the first reply I received was from a bride and a bridal party of 5. I was shook and did not know if I should go through with it. Then I started to put together some makeup palettes and went to visit a close drug store to get several shades of foundation and concealer. I was definitely nervous, I went online to find a carrying case for all the makeup and I found a brand new Mac pro kit bag on Offer Up the night before the wedding day. I knew it was destiny to have a professional bag that I purchased for $45 when at Mac is $175. I was so excited to get to my first gig. Leaving my first job with $480 in my hand doing what I loved was just a bonus, I was so happy that everyone loved their makeup and I knew with that money I was just starting! I went home and ordered business cards, A makeup artist chair, and a Ring light! That was the start of this amazing career! With the photos I took from my first job, I posted on Ig and received an offer to assist a great makeup artist that had 10 years under her belt. She then showed me the ropes to the bridal industry, I did my first bridal shoot, and got great shots to start my website and portfolio.
Jessica, 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?
I am a Christian woman with 4 kiddos, So I have two full-time jobs that I love. One is a mother to my children and the second, is a professional makeup and hair artist. I love the artistry I am in, I love being a part of every single bride’s special day. It is my pleasure to enhance their natural beauty with a couple of great products. I work bridal mostly, but have clients for all special occasions, quinceaneras, and teach makeup lessons one on one. I have worked with amazing photographers and enjoy having a team of artists that can help me with large bridal parties. I have 5 great artists that I send out dates and if available, we work together on a wedding and get all the ladies looking fabulous in short time frames. As of now doing freelance work is great for me and my family. My youngest child is 2 years, god willing in two years when she starts pre-k I would like to open a salon with a spa inside to offer facial services for my brides. Those are the JessLBeauty goals. I look forward to a long career in the beauty industry.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
I have an amazing family that drives my creative journey, when I work on my goals and get inspired I have my 3 beautiful daughters cheering me on that want to do what mommy does. My oldest daughter is 12 and wants to already assist me, but I always tell her it’s not time. So that is one of her and I goals to have her study cosmetology and have a booth in my future salon.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being a Makeup artist is the way the ladies feel after I hand them the mirror and they say, “This is me, wow!” I love being a part of their special day. When a bride sends me the photos they received from the photographer, I feel the thrill to post them and say, I was a part of that! I love the way the mothers of the brides or grooms feel after they get their hair and makeup and keep looking in the mirror with a distinct attitude.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.JessLBeauty.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesslbeauty
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jesslbeauty
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-lara-288075221/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkWEkYUHD1SJ2Ww5vrwO0Ag
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@jesslbeauty?lang=en
Image Credits
Brandon Floyd Photography, @Asiachristinephoto @rkt.productions @albertosarratophotography The Purple Pebble Photography @Kyrstenashlay.photography