Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Julianne Thomas. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Julianne, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I knew I wanted to be in the creative world from a very young age. I remember always taking those personality and career tests throughout school and I always got creative based results. A lot of my inspiration and back story comes from fine arts the fashion industry. Before getting into makeup I wanted to pursue a career as a fashion stylist/creative director. There’s nothing I love more than designing and putting together a complete look. I have also been a part of the arts (I.e drawing, painting) since I was a kid. I went from fun flower coloring books to taking advanced art classes throughout high school and little through college. As I grew older my love for fashion and the arts began to expand into other aspect of the industries and I grew my love for makeup. Being able to bring my two worlds into one and creating art on myself and clients while also exemplifying beauty led to my desire to make this a full time gig.

Julianne, 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?

My name is Julianne Thomas also known as Jules! I am a full time makeup artist and have been apart of the industry for about 6 years now. At the beginning of my career many of my techniques and qualities were self taught. From product research, YouTube, and practical work I was able to grow to a full time artist. Soon after I was able to complete a certification in makeup artistry at a renown makeup school in Los Angeles. I am 24 years old working primarily in the Kansas City area. I currently am the manager at Posh KC, a blow dry bar and makeup studio located in the heart of the city Power and Light District. While doing that I also focus a lot of my time on growing my freelance business. I would describe my work and technique as “refined luxury beauty for all” giving all clients access to a celebrity like experience using high quality products. My main reason for joining the industry as many other MUA’s is to create a space for women of color to confidently receive makeup services. Until recent years WOC have had little access to artists and products suitable for their tone and complexion. And sadly even in todays time there are still models, celebrities, and people who are left fending for themselves in times of need. I hope to bring change to the fashion and arts industry for WOC and give clients of all genders/racial backgrounds/ age the opportunity to look and feel confident and beautiful. As I have been apart of this world for the past 6 years I’ve had many amazing opportunities that have led to so much growth as an artist. The beginning of this year I had the opportunity to work in New York Fashion Week. This has been a dream of mine since I was 13. The experience posted me in so many new ways and allowed me to grow in my career by pushing the boundaries on what I could do and complete. Additionally I have had international bookings in both Mexico and Italy. My work has been published in NY times as well as Getty Images and been shown on multiple local news channels like Fox 4, KCTV5, and Better KC. My current clients include philanthropists, professional athletes, fashion designers and pageant contestants. I hope to continue building on my early career and soon work with celebrity clientele and high fashion models. I

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Reflecting on how to answer this question brought many stories to mind. There is something about seeing the beauty in the struggle knowing it can led to greater good whether we me know it or not. The past 2 years, as I’m sure for many others, have been nothing but constant change and trauma, which in turn has created a new perspective on my life and career. I made the move to LA January 2020. About mid program the unfortunate COVID took over causing my program to be cut short. While out there I struggled to find work making it hard to survive. I barely ate and struggled with insomnia and panic attacks. My anxiety grew more than I ever thought was possible. This was a major turning point in my relationship with my mental health. I then moved back home for an over extended break. Months later I was in a near death car accident. This is when my perspective on life changed. My depression and anxiety is something I’ve lived with since a kid. When life came crashing down it was easiest to shut down. I realized how much I was holding myself back with how I viewed the world. After physical therapy and healing I was able to bring my body back to a point to work. Eventually my school opened back up and I was able to go back out there to finish strong. I was confident the place I was in I could handle anything that came my way. The last month of my program due to an unforeseen situation I no longer had a place to stay/live. I didn’t think I could find myself in another deep hole after what I’d already experienced, yet here I was. There was nothing I wanted more than to come home. Going to school full time 8-4pm and working every night after until 10-11pm was taking a toll, but I knew I needed that certificate. That reminder that I am educated and apart of this industry for a reason, no matter the amount of times I felt differently. I knew that my purpose for this career was bigger. Bigger than just me. And thats all that kept me going. My purpose. Greater than any major life happening I could endure.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is being able to utilize my imagination. Whether makeup or art, I can bring any look to life. Through color, linework, blending or placement, the options are endless. That’s my favorite part about it.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @jthomasbeauty
• Facebook: Makeupbyjules
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@jules5709

Image Credits
Ashley Ice Photos Brittynelizabeth Studios