Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Jackson.
Jennifer, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, and I come from a working-class family. My dreams of having a career as an artist were not typical for my family. I was raised to go to school, graduate from college, and get a job and retire. I realized that being the person who would work for a corporate job was not for me. I attended college, where I studied Graphic Design, but I was told countless times that I would never have a successful career in my chosen field. With little motivation, I dropped out of college during my senior year and got a “corporate job.” During the time of working a full-time job, I was not happy. I was lost. I was not utilizing my God-given gifts of creativity to where I felt trapped.
I had an epiphany when I turned 30. I told myself, I was not going to live this cookie-cutter life and to go for my dreams. I enrolled back in school, obtained my bachelor’s degree in business management, and a master of business administration. I began to explore my love of painting by transferring it into makeup artistry. I started blogging about beauty while designing websites. These were my creative outlets to which I began my business. I challenged myself to grow my career by relocating to Atlanta in 2017. Today, I have transformed my business into a beauty empire where I provide makeup application, photography, social media consultations, and graphic design.
Has it been a smooth road?
Absolutely not. If I were to tell you that the road was smooth, I would be lying to you in your face. Growing up as a pure-bred creative in a working-class family was extremely hard. I love my family, and they are amazing, but to be an entrepreneur at heart, proving to my family that I will be successful in my career as a creative entrepreneur is one of the hardest things to do in my life. I want to make my family proud, but I also want to live happily in my truth.
During college, I had to work twice as hard as the other students as a woman of color who happens to be an artist. I struggled in the corporate world – I would come to work and not concentrate on my “job.” I would always think of ways on how to run my business as well as improving my craft. I did not share the same passions to climb the corporate ladder as my colleagues.
Lastly, relocating to Atlanta was not easy, but I knew I had a calling here. I tried to relocate on three separate occasions but was unsuccessful. I even lost my job at one point where I was planning on relocating, and I believe that was the second time. Fast forward to today, I am finally a resident of Atlanta, and I am happy that my move was at the perfect time.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Jennifer J. Artistry story. Tell us more about it.
I am a creative content creator, professional makeup artist, photographer, beauty influencer, visionary, and a business strategist. Most people call me the Jane of all trades! I am here to assist with turning your creative vision to reality. Jennifer J. Artistry is my business, and it’s my baby!
When it comes to makeup artistry, I am a Freelance Makeup Artist, where I provide elite, on-location makeup concierge services to clients in the Atlanta Metropolitan area. I create timeless and flawless makeup looks where I specialize with a natural glam with glowing skin. My clients are professional working women who desire a timeless look for attending special events. I also partner with local photographer RaQuita Weathers of Belle Rouge Photography where we create branding imagery for businesswomen who are looking to take their branding to the next level.
On top of my undergraduate and graduate degrees, I also have a certification in social marketing. On the side, Jennifer J. Artistry also accepts clients who are looking for consultants for social media management and website development in beauty.
Lastly, my website houses a blog and podcast called The Beauty Suite.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
The beauty industry will continue to thrive. I am thankful to be skilled in such a lucrative sector where new innovative techniques are continuously created every day. I remember when I was a teenager, I wanted to own my hair salon. I did not want to do much of hair, parse, I just wanted to own and manage it. That is when I knew I was destined to be an entrepreneur. To this day, I still wouldn’t mind owning my salon, but now, as a makeup artist and manager. With technology and social media, the beauty industry is as strong as ever.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jenniferjartistry.com
- Phone: 404-919-9705
- Email: jennifer@jenniferjartistry.com
- Instagram: jenniferjartistry
- Facebook: jenniferjartistry
- Twitter: jenniferjmua
Image Credit:
RaQuita Weathers of Belle Rouge Photography
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