We were lucky to catch up with Jessica Morris recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Jessica thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
I wouldn’t say I came up with the idea. My story is that I went through a phase of self development. I was depressed; not knowing what my purpose was I really did not want to be another pretty face. That will eventually fade. I needed to have something that could not be taken away from me, I needed to know my purpose. Upon my depression changing from a thought to actual self harm which was only just for 1 day back in 2018. My eyes for me opened up really quickly towards the experience when I felt okay after a time and then my hand brushed against my body and I felt the pain from the wound. That bringing my attention to the scar showed me that; it would only be a cycle (me hurting myself) not necessarily fixing the problem. I realize depression was just a feeling just like happiness etc it comes and go.
After coming to that realization the very night I went on my knees and I prayed begged God for forgiveness and asked for help. Much higher of a help that my dad was given me though I was grateful for him I realize I needed a personal fix.
Within 5 minutes after praying I felt relief like this heavy burden was lifted off my shoulder. I took up my phone and within that 5 minutes I came across a Halloween makeup DIY video showing basic sfx ideas.
It was not Halloween season as yet however I came across the video on my timeline I thought it was cool. The sfx ideas only required me using basic items at home so it was very convenient. I started doing it the following day. The first SFx makeup I did was a slit wrist. Now I’m able to understand it was a coping mechanism instead of actually hurting myself.
However I thought it was cool without knowing it’s called special effect. I posted it to my Facebook and instagram at the time. Everyone started to comment saying “you should go to Hollywood”.
I really didn’t know why they said that or understood the new path I was on, the talent I discovered I had, basically God answering my prayer. However I now know that, the moment we feel like we are losing ourselves is when we really discover who we really are. At the age of 20 I discovered I had a talent I didn’t not need to practice I did not need to research much it felt like I already knew most of everything I attempt.
2 weeks after discovering sfx. I still did not know what I could be doing with the skill. I was watching a Jesus film and I saw where they were crucifying him and how realistic the wounds were and how they were capable of creating something from nothing to be able to show what Jesus had went through. Within that moment everything resonated with me and I realize why people were saying I should go to Hollywood.
I continued with my 9-5 jobs because I believed I needed to be in Hollywood to do special effect. Especially being told that by a few people. Then I had another life changing experience at the age of 21. I got sick And I had to resign from my last job. which result in me doing a surgery September of 2019. Trust me, laying on that bed with old people around and with everything I experience and I realize I didn’t go has hard for what was revealed to me. I realize I did not want to die with my dreams and goals. Right after I healed which was very quick to my surprise. I decided to stay up late at nights practicing, researching, doing SFx makeup on myself posting.
In October 2019 I collaborated with The Rose Hall Great House Haunted Night tour. I did some makeup on slaves. I also did a Short film for YouTube done by Dario Shield. Just to have the experience under my belt.
It was a worth while endeavor for me where as I saw this as my gift from God. Me having my purpose. I wanted to make myself proud. I wanted to love me and prove to me that I am great and that I am capable. I believed me offering the service would work because we have a lot of talents in Jamaica especially the music industry I felt like they were missing my touch (special effect). Everything I’ve worked on so far my work tells the story as much as the artist singing and the videographer doing his thing. So yes I believe I was solving a problem in that aspect. I created a opportunity for my clients to make their ideas/vision come to life to tell their story.
Time and clients comments showed me it was unique. However I’m mostly excited about being able to do what I love and I’m passionate about.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Jessica Morris. I am 24 years of age. I am a makeup artist and a barber. I am the owner/Face of JESSE EFFECT. I Got into the special effect through turning my pain into creativity/art. As for being a barber. I discovered I wanted to be a barber when my dad asked me to line up his beard with hair diy. He complimented me and I liked the fact that he was pleased with the result. Of course he told me I did a good job and that boost me even more to want to learn a new skill. So I did.
Upon learning the skill I saw how I would normally look at people hair and being able to identify that something just wasn’t right or maybe a certain look would suit a certain individual. Which I had learnt that is having a barber eye.
JESSE EFFECT provides 4 services as for now which are special effect makeup, beauty makeup, kids face paint and barber service.
I believe the problems I solve pertaining to special effect is that I am able to make a person idea come to life. The artist 10 Tik did a song called Autobiography. He wanted to look old so JESSE EFFECT did that.
What separates me from others is my passion for detail. That’s my signature style. Detail.
I am most proud of the fact that I believed in me and gave me a chance.
The main things I want clients/supporters etc to know about me are that I am very passionate about everything I do. I take pride in my work. I created this from scratch. I am grateful to everyone who has been supporting me from day one to now.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
I believe it’s being able to do what others might classify as the impossible, possible. By making someone idea come to life and being good at it.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
The fact that I picked myself up from out of a deep hole of self destruction. Master my craft and turn it into a career.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Jesse_effect
- Other: Business WhatsApp (876)5721795
Image Credits
Kwesi Bennett