We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jocelyn Chia a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jocelyn, appreciate you joining us today. We love asking folks what they would do differently if they were starting today – how they would speed up the process, etc. We’d love to hear how you would set everything up if you were to start from step 1 today
When I first entered the beauty industry, I was a teenager fresh out of high school. It was then that I realized my passion for creativity, and makeup became the perfect outlet for me. Instead of seeking a mentor, which I didn’t realize I needed at the time, I dove right in. I applied to 23 different brands, hoping for an opportunity to work in the industry. Back then, social media wasn’t available as a platform to showcase my work, making it more challenging. However, I persevered and landed an incredible starting position with Estee Lauder, and my journey in makeup and hair took off from there.
If I were to start all over again, I would leverage technology as the best friend I never knew I had. Being able to showcase your work online can propel your career in the beauty industry at lightning speed compared to 10-20 years ago. I would dedicate myself to continuous learning, taking numerous classes to perfect my craft. I would commit a minimum of 30 hours per week to learning, whether through online courses or shadowing professionals in the industry. Finding a mentor and absorbing their valuable advice would be a top priority.
Additionally, I would invest time in learning about business finance and investing at an earlier age. These are crucial topics that I’ve learned through experience and years in the field. However, if I had the opportunity to learn them earlier, it would have propelled my progress much faster. Learning with purpose is the key to success in this industry, and I would embrace it wholeheartedly
Jocelyn, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Since 2005, I have been wholeheartedly dedicated to providing an extensive range of exceptional services to clients across Virginia, Washington DC, Maryland, West Virginia, NYC, NJ, and soon to Sacramento. As a seasoned professional, my primary objective is to offer my valued clients the ultimate glam experience. Throughout the years, I have obtained years of experience from esteemed brands like Estee Lauder, Mac Cosmetics, and Shu Uemura, specializing in diverse skin textures and mastering various makeup application techniques.
What sets me apart in the industry is the convenience and ease of my services, coupled with an unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality results, perfectionism, and professionalism. I continuously strive to stay up-to-date with the latest techniques and trends in the field, ensuring that each service I provide is of the highest caliber and executed with utmost care. My dedication and passion for what I do, along with my invaluable industry connections, have led to my work being featured in prestigious publications such as Vanity Fair, The Washingtonian, Brides Magazine, InStyle Magazine, Washingtonian Weddings, Gezno Magazine, and many more.
My craft is fueled by an extreme love for what I do, and my greatest satisfaction comes from creating flawless looks that enhance natural beauty and boost confidence. Whether it’s for special events, photoshoots, weddings, or everyday transformations, I bring a personalized touch and an exceptional level of expertise to each and every client I serve.
Understanding the unique needs and preferences of each individual, I work closely with my clients to achieve their desired look, tailoring my services to suit their distinctive style and vision. By combining my technical skills, artistic flair, and meticulous attention to detail, I ensure that every client leaves feeling radiant and empowered.
I am truly grateful for the opportunity to be a part of my clients’ transformative journeys and to contribute to their happiness and self-expression through my services. As I continue to grow in my profession, I remain committed to surpassing expectations, delivering outstanding results, and making each client’s experience truly unforgettable.
Have you ever had to pivot?
One of the most significant turning points in my life occurred when I made the decision to leave my corporate job and pursue my dreams as a beauty business owner. From the age of 18, I had always been involved in the beauty industry, whether it was working at a retail counter or providing services for special events. During my earlier years, I faced the expectations of friends and family who believed that transitioning into the corporate sector would be a natural and easy choice given my experience and degree. As a result, I temporarily prioritized my corporate career while treating makeup and hair services as a side job.
However, as time passed, I took a step back and engaged in deep reflection about what truly mattered to me in life. It was during this introspection that I found the courage to take a leap of faith and establish my own business. With unwavering support from my loved ones, I made the decision to fully depart from the corporate world and embark on this new venture. While there have certainly been learning curves along the way, I can honestly say that I feel fulfilled and grateful to be doing what I love.
Starting my own business has been a transformative experience, allowing me to fully immerse myself in my passion for beauty. I am constantly learning, growing, and honing my skills as I navigate the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship. The support of my family and friends has been instrumental in this journey, and their encouragement has fortified my determination to succeed.
Despite the inevitable hurdles and uncertainties, I wake up every day feeling a profound sense of purpose and joy. The decision to follow my dreams and build a career in the beauty industry has brought me a deep sense of fulfillment that I wouldn’t trade for anything. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to do what I love and make a positive impact on the lives of my clients.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
In my journey within the beauty industry, two vital elements have played a pivotal role in my success: mastering my craft and embodying tenacity. I understood the importance of investing in myself and my skills, making it a priority to continually learn and grow. While I occasionally came across this advice, I wholeheartedly embraced it and placed a strong emphasis on my personal development. I made sure to stay updated with both timeless and current trends in my industry, striving to cultivate my own distinct style. To enhance my expertise, I eagerly enrolled in relevant classes, sought opportunities to shadow industry veterans, and consistently networked to expand my knowledge and professional connections.
Tenacity became an integral part of my professional journey, working hand in hand with the development of my craft. I adopted an unwavering determination to achieve excellence and maintain a high level of professionalism. A tangible way I displayed tenacity was through punctuality. By valuing and respecting my clients’ time, I set myself apart from others and garnered their appreciation. This approach allowed me to not only deliver exceptional work but also create a reputation for reliability and efficiency.
It is important to remember that success in the beauty industry necessitates a commitment to continuous improvement, unwavering dedication, and a strong work ethic. I remained dedicated to refining my skills, nurturing relationships within the industry, and upholding a high standard of professionalism. I wholeheartedly embraced both the artistic and business aspects of my craft, ultimately achieving the goals I had set for myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.makeupwithjossy.com
- Instagram: @makeupwithjossy
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jocelyn-chia-363476181/
- Yelp: Makeup with Jossy
- Other: Google- Makeup with Jossy
Image Credits
Ana Isabel Photography Megan Rei Photography SamShots Photo & Video LaJoy Plans English Hudson