We recently connected with Joy Remus and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Joy thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Part of what I think it takes to be successful is being mindful of purpose.

Purpose will continually fuel your passion which will perpetuate a successful business legacy. Every single time I think of giving up, or walking away due to the ebbs and flows of a freelancer, I am reminded of my purpose/passion of being a makeup artist.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Joy. I am 40 years old. I have 2 children. My daughter (16) who has a Autoimmune Disease (Lupus) and my son (11) is on the Spectrum of Autism.

I consider my somewhat the epitome of a single mom. No village, no help, just us. When my children were younger I worked in the customer service industry. It’s a very fickle, unstable industry. More importantly, for me unbelievable unfulfilling. I found myself overwhelmed and stressed with balancing flexibility.

At the time my boyfriend and best friend (ex’s now) broke up with me at the same time. I was so depressed, confused and very broken. So from time to time I’d put on some makeup (or what I thought was makeup) to try to make myself feel better. I posted it on a social media platform and my sister asked me “Joy, you ever thought about doing makeup professionally?” I swiftly turned down that idea. (It was fear).

She said “why not, I mean you have nothing else to lose”. So I said, I guess…why not! All of a sudden, makeup (the foundational techniques) came to without hesitation or studying. It literally just flowed from me. Everything came to me so naturally. I had joy. I fell in love with being a makeup artist. When I first started taking clients I can’t say that I was that good. (I was terrible honestly…lol!) But I loved the journey in growing in skill.

I journeyed from salon to salon, until I was blessed with my own Suite in a city right outside of Detroit. The journey in growth has been rough, smooth, joyous, shakey and all things entrepreneurial.

I have had the pleasure of serving some of the most beautiful people. Not in looks but in spirit. I have learned that it’s not just about the brushes, the lashes, or lipstick. It’s about creating a safe space where my clients can receive validation, LOVING accountability. A space where being vulnerable is natural, not forced.

Developing a character of servitude has been the most rewarding part of my journey as a makeup artist. I take great pleasure in serving a space of trust, reciprocity, and deep camaraderie.

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

I had the to unlearn that a client not booking with me isn’t necessarily personal.

This lesson has been one of my greatest teachers. I was so zealous once I developed a flow, that I desired EVERYONE to book with me, and when this didn’t happen, I felt rejected. Like somehow I wasn’t good enough, less than, not worthy. Something had to be wrong with me. Couldn’t be further from the truth. When we are purposed beyond our skill set, there will be specific people assigned to that direction. That’s why it’s so imperative to the success of business that we remain connected to the purpose.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

It’s not only our clients who carry their experience with them, but our fellow makeup artist.

I have a reputation of being very reliable and accountable when I make a mistake. Which develops TRUST. I am sure to have a heart posture OF HUMILITY (a student of life) that will keep the bridges that I need and my clients need for me to continue to be my BEST self.

Integrity is so important when developing relationships within entrepreneurship. This characteristic will serve you in your journey of success. I have made plenty of mistakes (not patterns) and owned them. I find that people typically don’t get too upset when you own your mistakes, and do your best to assist in resolving them.

My fellow makeup artist will call me to assist based upon my character which is a blessing.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jremusmua223.wixsite.com/website-11
• Instagram: j.remusmua
• Facebook: Joy RemusMua

Image Credits
Joy R Williams