We were lucky to catch up with Jocelin Williams recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jocelin, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to start by getting your thoughts on what you are seeing as some the biggest trends emerging in your industry.

The biggest trend in my industry is the influx of hiring influencers for jobs, that would normally go to seasoned professionals. In the age of social media and followers equaling revenue, companies and brands have been hiring beauty influencers to do makeup and hair for campaigns, shoots, events, etc, which has put artist who don’t have huge followings but have the knowledge and expertise out of work. The problem with this isn’t the companies wanted to make more money by bringing these influencers in, the problem lies in the capability to execute the job of a makeup or hair artist. Most influencers don’t have the training and education that professional hair & Makeup Artist have. They mostly know about how to do their own selves and give suggestions and produluct recommendations. So when they get hired for gigs where they have to do other people’s makeup or hair, they fall short in expectations. I remember one time I was hired to hair for a brand shoot. They had 3 different models and they hired a well known beauty influencer with a million followers. I was optimistic about how the shoot would go and hopeful they could deliver. The influencer did the models makeup and I did their hair and once in front of the camera, the problems arose. Wrong foundation color, eyebrows too big, colors don’t compliment the looks,etc. Now me being a makeup artist as well, I knew how to fix these issues, but I was hired just for hair. I didn’t say anything and the influencer tried to fix their mistakes. Once again, the models got infront of the camera and it was not working. The producer came to me and asked if I would mind stepping in to do makeup and just use the kit the influencers brought. I said yes of course, because I was originally hired to the makeup. I stepped in fixed the color correction issues, blended out the shadow, etc. The shoot continued and the company got what they needed. Although they still gave makeup credit to the influencer, they realized that sometimes it’s better to hire professionals who are well versed to do the job, instead of influencers who can just bring in consumers.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m a Professional Hair and Makeup Artist for over 10 years, who has worked with celebrities, actors, big brands, etc. I’m big on education and representation. I specialize in textured hair, color, and editorial hair. I have perfected the “no makeup” look and love enhancing natural beauty.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

This is something I still struggle with today. I had to unlearn the practice of counting other people’s pockets. I would dumb down the price of my services because I felt bad for people who would seem to not have what I really deserved. I had to realize I was putting my self in a hole ,trying to save other people money. I also had to understand that people are going to spend their money on what they want, and you have to name your price and stick with it. If they can afford your services then they will find someone else, and that is ok.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The best way is the original way of marketing, word of mouth. Referrals are my number 1 way that I get gigs, and clients. Each one tells someone and they tell someone. They also see the work first hand in person and asks about it. It will always be the most effective to me.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.foolishlybeat.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/foolishlybeat