Hi Jasmine, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Well, my name is Jasmine Jones, I am owner & master makeup artist of JRA•MUA, & co-owner of J.Studios. My relationship with makeup began in 2010. Living the college lifestyle, I wanted to “look the part,” so a friend of mine, at the time, would fill my eyebrows when we would go out. I would then apply a little eyeshadow and some strip lashes. On special occasions, I would get my makeup professionally done at department stores. YouTube & social media beauty groups started to become popular, so I then started watching tutorials and taking notes from those outlets and began teaching myself how to do my own makeup. Makeup became an instant hobby of mine and the perfect outlet for self-expression.
In 2011, I became a mom. Finding the balance between school, work, and motherhood would become a bit overwhelming at times. I ultimately quit school to pursue the workforce full time to provide for my family. I had no intention of pursuing makeup professionally, but life has a funny way of exposing your true purpose. I worked in a an office environment at the time, & I would do my makeup every day for work. I would receive several compliments, and even a few of my coworkers would ask me to do their makeup. Family and friends would also ask and even recommend me to service others. What was then a hobby soon turned into a hustle. In 2015, I decided to actively pursue makeup artistry, under the name “Pamper Me, Jasmine,” given to me by my then boyfriend’s mom. The following year, I participated in a short internship with a local renowned beauty professional, and “J Re’Shae Artistry” was tokened.
By mid-2017, I desired a change. After a few short years as a professional MUA, I began to grasp knowledge in marketing and soon realized it was time to rebrand. In 2018, the brand that is JRA•MUA was formed. Working in the beauty world has allowed me to connect & network with some extremely talented individuals. In doing so, I met a fellow makeup artist by the name of Janina Steele. I initially reached out to “Nina” for business advice, and that instantly evolved into a blossoming friendship. Nina & I would then collaborate on several projects and later worked in the same makeup studio for a short time. Her artistry & work ethic became something I heavily admired, and when the opportunity for partnership became apparent, we both took action. On August 1, 2020, Nina & I became the owners of our very own beauty studio, J Studios.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Whew! No. Entrepreneurship is not for the faint. It requires hard work, sacrifice, a great deal of discipline, & responsibility. Also, if you’re a parent, like me, trying to establish consistent & functional work/life balance is definitely a struggle. I also work full time, and although I very much enjoy the corporate world, there is a vivid line between doing what you love and what you have to do. In some instances, I’ve found myself in a “tug of war” between the two, & yet, my love for makeup wins every time! Along this road, I’ve learned several life lessons as well. I’ve truly mastered the art of trusting my own process & God’s timing. I’ve also learned to remain teachable, true to yourself, & stand firm on your goals!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At JRA•MUA, we specialize in many different avenues of makeup artistry, including everyday beauty, bridal, fashion/lifestyle print and editorial, tv commercials, film projects, as well as, education. JRA has been featured on numerous publications and syndicated outlets, including Ebony, Birmingham Times, CBS, Al.com. I’m also co-owner of J Studios, a boutique beauty studio that provides a vast of beauty therapy services & enhancements to a multicultural clientele. As an artist, I believe that if you have a gift, you should nurture it! I’m continuously learning new ways to maximize my skills & tap into my creativity. My love for makeup artistry is truly shown through my devotion to delivering the very best service to my clients. I strive to provide each client with a beauty experience that channels every aspect of their own true beauty. It’s this initiative that places JRA in a league of its own.
What matters most to you?
What matters most or, well, I’ll say most fulfilling, is truly being able to do what I love! I’ve worked so hard, and I do it with its ease because it’s truly enjoyable. When you’re living out the very thing your passionate about, it’s such a blessing, that I don’t take for granted. It’s deeper than makeup for me. As I take a look at how far I’ve come, it makes soo excited to embrace what’s next. It’s only up from here!
Contact Info:
- Address: 105 Vulcan Rd Suite 220 Homewood, Al 35209
- Email: The.JRAMUA@gmail.com
- Website: WWW.JRAMUA.COM
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_jramua.com_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/J.ReShaeArtistry/
Image Credits
B Panda Filmz Courtney D Photography Hollery Morris Photography Sharde Richardson Photography The Davenport Design
