We recently connected with Jordan Briones-Schmitz and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Jordan thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Being a business owner can be really hard sometimes. It’s rewarding, but most business owners we’ve spoken sometimes think about what it would have been like to have had a regular job instead. Have you ever wondered that yourself? Maybe you can talk to us about a time when you felt this way?
I actually have a full time job as a certified pharmacy technician on top of owning my own business (BlesdTheBlend.) So I balance both as well as my home life pretty well. It can be somewhat difficult if clients message me at my day job because I want to be as responsive as possible. I am a very busy person but it’s actually enjoyable to be able to have two full time jobs I love. One allows me to have time for the other and vise versa. However, I do wish I was doing makeup full time. I love being a business owner in more ways than just “being my own boss.” It’s something I’m building and growing with every day. I get to meet new people, work with other creators, do new makeup looks on new people, and visit new locations I have never been to before. I can never describe fully the feeling that I get when I know I’ve made someone not only look beautiful, but when they express how beautiful they feel, that feeling is indescribable for me. It’s an accomplishment and I know I did right by my client with the talents I was blessed with. All in all, I am happy, blessed and excited everyday to be a business owner as well as effectively executing my jobs in the pharmacy as well.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My full name is Jordan Danielle Briones-Schmitz and I am a small business owner in Toledo, Ohio! I am a freelance makeup artist full time as well as a pharmacy technician 40 hours a week. I have two beautiful German Shepards that are spoiled rotten and the most supportive husband, family and friends a girl could ask for. I just finished my business administration degree, and am currently learning Spanish. I never sit still!
I personally owe God a lot for the success I have been blessed with as well as the village that it took to get me to where I am today. Doors were opened for me and continue to open daily. I was incredibly honored to be recognized as a top makeup artist in my city through Best of Toledo, I’ve been published in over 7 magazines with local artists/photographers and I’ve been very honored to be a part of countless weddings as a makeup artist. I do makeup for weddings, special events in general, SFX makeup and editorial glam as well.
BlessTheBlend actually came to as my business name while I was in church talking to my pastor. I started to attend church regularly and a conversation happened about me starting my own Bible study. I told my pastor, “I can incorporate makeup some how and call it BlessTheBlend!” It came out of my mouth so easily and then from there I grew with it. In May of 2019, with only $100 in my bank account I opened my own LLC. I took a risk and boy am I glad I did.
I built BlessTheBlend to prove to everyone who works with me that it is so much more than just makeup. It’s so much more than foundation, mascara and lipgloss. It’s my art form and it’s used to enhance the natural beauty that one already has been blessed with. The right products can show how someone how beautiful their eyes are or how amazing their eyebrow shape is. I unfortunately know what it is like to think less of myself. I’ve been bullied in high school for being the bigger girl, having bushy eyebrows, not wearing the correct makeup or any at all and being the bubbly person that I am because I am “too much.” I can’t change the past, but I can help others view themselves in a different way. I can provide a trusting environment and an uplifting one. Someone sits in my chair, I tell them all the things I see and what products or colors would enhance their features.
Some of my clients have become amazing friends. I’m unapologetically me, I’m professional and responsive too. I always try to be the makeup artist that I would want to have if I needed one. Bubbly, fun, uplifting, caring, supportive and a shoulder if someone needs it. I’m your girl. I am most proud that even through the stressful periods, I never lost sight of myself or the passion I have for makeup. It truly lights a fire in my soul to be able to share my art with everyone.
I can not express in words the amount of love that has been received from everyone since I started. The encouragement, the venting sessions I needed to have and the support from everyone in my life that has never left is truly just amazing. The trial and errors I’ve had to overcome, the knowledge of products, sanitation, skin tones, textures, etc. are all a part of this dream I have built. I can’t wait to see where I am a month, a year or even five years later. I know I couldn’t do it without my husband, my parents, my family and my friends.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
My reputation is something I take a lot of pride in as a small business owner. I will do everything in my power to make sure I am the makeup artist people want. My clients needs come first and making sure I am the least stressful aspect for their wedding or their day in general is a goal of mine. Word of mouth and getting my name out there with other creators definitely helped my reputation in a lot of different ways. Working with area photographers and having professional photos helps showcase my talents to potential clients and other business opportunities. Another aspect that helped was making sure I am a community over competition individual. I stay humble in this field I’m in and there are so many artists that I look up too in my area. There is enough business for everyone, and it’s very nice to lean on one another as well as work together when the opportunity arises.
How did you build your audience on social media?
Social media is literally the best tool for a small business owner. The rate that information passes through social media can become astronomical. Good or bad publicity can make or break a small business on social media, so that is something I stay mindful of. For me personally, Facebook has been a huge source for my clients to find/book with me. Creating posts of my clients before and after photos showcases my talent. It is also something people love to see. Knowing who my audience is, the age group of my audience and following trends of “what is viral” in the beauty world allows me to always stay engaged. The beauty community I feel is evolving rapidly and growing everyday. Friends and family are also a huge help with sharing posts, and utilizing that aspect is a huge social media marketing growth factor. Knowing your audience, the current trends in your specific market is crucial to making sure you’re relevant on social media and continuing to have sustainable growth.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/btbmakeupartistry/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blesstheblendllc/
Image Credits
Audrey Heffner