We were lucky to catch up with Jordan Naylor recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jordan, thanks for joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

The story behind my mission starts when I was younger. I was bullied terribly for a beauty mark I have on my face and for the size of my ears. People would lick their finger and go to wipe my beauty mark away thinking it was something else, kids would say to me “what’s that piece of sh*t on your face?” I’d get made fun of constantly until about 9th grade. I was bullied every day and this caused my self esteem to be at it’s lowest, I felt as if I was nothing.

Once I was about 24 years old is when I learned to love myself and the way I look. It truly took years, it was most definitely a journey but, I can confidently say that today at 27 years old, I love myself inside and out.

This is the story behind my mission, to make women feel beautiful not only outside but inside as well. The saying “look good, feel good” is most definitely true. I want women to feel their absolute best once they leave my chair. I will ALWAYS make them feel welcome and loved while they are in my makeup chair.

Jordan, 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?

My name is Jordan and I am a professional makeup artist in New York of over 8 years and I’ve been a full time artist for over 3 years.

I am originally self taught. Ever since I was a little girl makeup was my creative outlet and I always loved doing makeup for my family and friends even if it was just drawing squiggly lines all over their faces with ELF liquid liner. I felt most comfortable and most myself while doing makeup, I was truly in my zone.

I always knew I wanted to go to Makeup Designory in Manhattan, NY to hone in my skills and learn more about the ins and outs of the business. So, I took a bunch of classes my senior year of high school to help me graduate early so I could go to Makeup Designory ASAP and get my career in makeup artistry started. I graduated and within a week of graduating high school I started at Makeup Designory and was there for six months.

I’ve always been in the makeup industry. My first job was at Ulta at 18 years old, I then worked at Chanel, Jean Paul Salon and Spas and then Mac Cosmetics. I received a ton of training through all of these companies. In 2020, when everything started to open up again after COVID I decided to leave MAC and start my own business. Ever since, I’ve been full time 3 years. In that 3 years, I have made so many connections in the industry. I have about 3-4 weddings a week, bridal trials and photo shoots. I travel everywhere for my clients from New York to Vermont to Orlando and beyond.

My work experience includes, weddings, all kinds of print work, makeup lessons, etc. I have worked with some amazing companies including, Bumble and Bumble, QVC, CBS, Draft Kings, and Etsy. My work has been published in Magazines, Ulta, QVC, Sephora and Bumble and Bumble. I love doing bridal makeup for weddings, but my heart truly lies in print and celebrity inspired glam. I truly am living my dream, I have created my dream life and it truly is a “pinch me” moment every single day.

I would say my makeup style is soft glam. I pride myself in being able to achieve whatever look my client desires. I can do natural glam, soft glam and full glam. My signature style is definitely “Charlotte Tilbury” inspired. I mean, after all she is the queen.

I believe that what makes a great makeup artist is listening to your clients wants and inspiration, being able to cater to every complexion, and having your kit fully stocked and ready for all complexions. Being able to create whatever look your client wants no matter their ethnicity and complexion is so important.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

POST, POST, POST.

Any content is content when you are just starting your business.

Also, networking is very important. You must support and connect with everyone in your industry. My industry for example is very saturated, but no one is my competition. My only competition is myself and I’m always trying to further my skills and improve myself. If you look at others as your competition then it is a very toxic mindset to have.

Just be consistent when it comes to social media. That is how I grew my business so fast, by connecting with others and posting. A big tip for socials is always post what YOU would enjoy seeing on someone else’s page and you find either insightful, inspirational or humorous (in a tasteful way)

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a makeup artist is 100% seeing the pure joy in my clients eyes when they see the final makeup look. I love seeing their confidence automatically boost. Every one deserves to feel beautiful

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jordannaylormua.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/jordannaylormua