We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Joanna Garcia a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Joanna, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
Change or taking risks can be uncomfortable, it is not easy. The most difficult decision I’ve had to make to pursue my dream and passion as a professional makeup artist was to leave my full time career as a Registered Medical Assistant. Working in the medical field for 7 years was something I truly enjoyed. My experience took place in a couple of Urgent Cares, Family Medicine, and my absolute favorite was Cardiology. I enjoyed it so much that I wanted to further my education and become a Nurse Practitioner with a speciality in Cardiology. something that I definitely still would like to pursue. However, interestingly, prior to me starting my career in the medical field, I had actually looked into several cosmetology schools in my area. I’ve always had a passion for makeup and the artistry behind it. So for several years I went back and forth with applying at a Sephora store. Finally, in October of 2016, I decided to apply, got hired, and herein my journey started.
Fast forward 3 years into my journey and only working part-time at Sephora, while still juggling my full time Medical Assistant career, and being a single mother of two wonderful boys, I decided my passion for the Beauty Industry was much stronger. This is when I decided I needed to invest more time (i.e., acquire more knowledge, practice, do private parties such as weddings, etc.) I left my full time job knowing I would struggle financially, but realized, too, that I had to embrace the uncertainty as some of the most beautiful chapters in our lives won’t have a title until much later.
I am now coming onto my 7th year of working as a freelance professional makeup artist, and beauty advisor at Sephora and I can gladly say I still would not take back the choices I made in order to be able to invest more into a career and life path that I truly enjoy!
Joanna, 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?
Easy to become a Freelance Makeup Artist while still trying to manage other career(s), family, self care and everything else life consists of? No. I’ve learned many lessons along the way, beginning with how to manage myself (e.g., scheduling, customer service, ensuring continued education) time management in general, and most importantly, how to take care of myself more, both mentally and physically. I understand that in order to be the best I can be, I need to be well myself. So much can take a toll on a person emotionally and one’s body (that is, physically). It is of utmost importance to always remember to take care of yourself too. Constantly staying up to date with new products, the newest trends, and learning new techniques is always something that excites me. After working at Sephora for 7 years now, I have gained an immense amount of knowledge that consists of being able to work and feel comfortable with all ethnicities/races, skin types, skin tones/color. I provide makeup services for all kinds of special events that range from Bridal makeup/Bridal parties, photography/videography, Quinceaneras, Stage makeup, Concerts, and so much more! The best way I can describe this excitement is that I do not feel the time pass when completing such tasks because I am loving every moment. The endless education and knowledge I experience with my career while making people look and feel their best is so fulfilling. I get the best of both worlds, all in one.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Being an artist can bring so many rewarding aspects into one’s life. Being able to meet and interact with so many new people from all around the world, and to learn a little bit of their story as they sit in my chair is something I truly enjoy. The m0st rewarding part of my career however, would definitely have to be the moment I hand my client the mirror at the end, and I am able to see their face light up with excitement and joy. Being able to be a part of someone’s big day, or even just someone’s special occasion or event, and having the ability to enhance someone’s already natural beauty to ensure they go out feeling confident, and they go out feeling their best is something I will forever be grateful for. To feel beautiful in your own skin is my ultimate goal for all my clients.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
As a person who is very goal oriented and work driven, saying no to taking on additional clients even when fully booked was always a struggle for me. I always wanted to please, and make everyone happy without realizing I was jeopardizing my own health. From working a full time job, 2 part time jobs, and raising 2 young boys on my own while having them in sports as well, I ended up getting a lot of health issues, and experienced severe burn out as well. Managing my time and schedule was something I had to learn quickly. Prioritizing my tasks, and learning to not take on additional tasks if unable to is something I have embraced a lot more now.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @lovelyjojo91
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joanna.m.garcia.10
- Snapchat: lovelyjojo91
Image Credits
instagram: @ted ; @ji.image