Today we’d like to introduce you to Natasha Jenkins.
Natasha, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Born and raised in New York, beauty and fashion were always my first love. Growing up, I watched my mother who was also a professional makeup artist dress in the latest fashion and stay up to date on all the beauty trends. She never had a day off! She was always on! And always very well put together.
As I got older, my love for the beauty and fashion grew as well. I attended a local community college and majored in “Fashion Merchandising”. I worked at a local mall at a beauty counter as a part-time makeup artist for extra money while in school. I began to receive requests from potential clients who wanted me to do their makeup outside of the mall. I admit I cut class a few times to take clients and makeovers. I enjoyed it, I loved making others happy, it was easy, It was fun, It was effortless and it also gave me inspiration to want to keep pushing limits with my artistry. I loved playing in different colors, tones and textures. I realized how much of an impact I was making by simply doing what I enjoyed. I wanted to touch as many lives as I can with my gift.
At the age of 18, I decided to drop out of college and pursue a career in makeup artistry full time. I’ve worked with companies such as MAC, YSL, GIORGIO ARMANI, BOBBI BROWN, CHRISTIAN DIOR. Working retail was an amazing part of my career and I learned so much. I learned how to deal with all different types of people as well as handle the business end of it all as well. On my free time I’ll make sure I’ll network with other creatives as well as make sure I’m up to date with that’s hot and what’s not in all things beauty and fashion. I was blessed to be able to work with celebrities such as 50 cent, Chris Brown, as well as many high fashion models and well-known photographers. I spent years planting my seeds and doing the proper groundwork in order for me to grow and excel in my industry.
Years later, I was faced with one of the biggest challenges I would ever have to face in my life. In 2015 I lost my grandmother at the young age of 72. She was diagnosed with a rare case of Adult T-Cell Lymphoma, And the following year I lost my dear mother at the tender age of 52. Both were diagnosed with the same cancer, And both were taken from my life so unexpectedly and so abruptly! It felt like someone literally ripped my heart out my chest. The pain I feel and still feel to this day is something I can ever explain. I wanted to do something great for both my Mother and grandmother so I took it upon myself to do their makeup, hair and nails for the funeral service. I felt that it was my duty to make sure they both looked their best before they were laid to rest. Many ask how could I do such a thing? But how could I not? Because of these two women I am the woman I am today. They raised me, That was the least I could do for them.
Months passed and I didn’t sleep for days, weeks or months, I didn’t do anything but grieve. I couldn’t believe my life ended up the way it did. I would always think about how proud my mother was of me and how excited it made her that I was doing so well with my makeup artistry. I decided to take a moment out and spend time in Atlanta with a friend who recently moved there, she genuinely offered her home to me as a place to get away for three months and clear my thoughts until I figured out what steps I needed to take to get my life back in order. What many don’t know is I got in my car and decided to drive 16 hours to Atlanta alone. I packed my makeup kit and my clothes and I hit the road, I didn’t stop to sleep I just kept going. It was one of the most intense moment of my life.
Long story short, I came to Atlanta with no real plan, money, or clients. I took a leap of faith, I got there and hit the ground running. I networked and gave my business card to everyone I came in contact with. From there the universe decided to work in my favor, people were calling and booking with me within my first month of being here. My work was speaking for itself. Everything I prayed for was happening before my eyes slowly but surely. I decided to find an apartment and begin to build a new life here in Atlanta for myself. I have now been here officially for one year and things have been going amazing for me. I thank god daily for all that he’s done and all that he keeps doing for me. I am now going on my 16th year as a professional makeup artist, I’m still learning and I’m still growing. It’s important to keep going and never give up despite your circumstances.
Has it been a smooth road?
It was definitely not a smooth road, there were many bumps along the way. Controlling my emotions and not allowing them interfere with my business has been the hardest challenge thus far! It takes a lot of alone time and isolation to mentally get yourself together. What many don’t realize is isolation is a major factor for growth. It’s when you’re alone who can really understand what makes you happy and what doesn’t. It’s the time you have to yourself with absolutely no distractions, that you then truly understand who you are and what your true purpose in life is.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am pro makeup artist with 15 years experience. I do makeup for any special occasion such as, Weddings, Birthdays, corporate events. I’m known for my natural makeup looks. I believe less is more and I don’t believe in over saturating a woman’s face with tons of products. Makeup is made to enhance your natural features not hide them. I’m most proud of my one one makeup sessions as well as my group sessions. It’s such an humbling feeling to being to teach others what I know. Women now-a-days are busy and don’t want to spend lots of time applying makeup everyday. I found a way to teach others how to apply their own makeup in a few simple steps. Classes are very fun, informative and interactive. I also specialize in male grooming, fashion, And editorial makeup as well. I’m now in the process of releasing my very own line of vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free Liquid Matte Lipsticks. I’ve been behind the scenes working on this for the past five years but due to things that occurred in my life I had to put it on hold. This year I decided to pick up where I left off, I recently finalized my final colors and I’ll be starting production soon! I’m really excited!
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I think Atlanta is the perfect place for a makeup artist to build their business. Atlanta is growing city and has came a long way. There are many major movies as well as tv shows that are filmed here in Atlanta. If you play your cards right the possibilities are endless. I think Atlanta is a great start for any makeup artist who is just starting out.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ClutchedByNatashaJ.com
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