Today we’d like to introduce you to Jovonna Shack.
Hi Jovonna, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Well, I’m just a girl from Detroit a natural-born hustler through and through. My story really started with passion, purpose, and a little bit of “I’ll figure it out myself” energy.
I’ve been doing makeup for about 12 years now, nails for 5 years, and modeling for about 4 and a half. And boy, modeling has been amazing. Let’s go back to when plus-size girls didn’t even have a lane, when we barely had representation for what it really meant to be a plus-size model. For so long, society painted this one image of what “acceptable” plus-size looked like a girl who was still curvy in all the “right” places. But that’s not real plus-size. Plus-size comes in all sizes, shapes, and energies. Our bodies are complex, our curves are eclectic, and the confidence we bring to the runway or camera is powerful.
Modeling for me is about confidence, empowerment, and breaking stereotypes. Thanks to women like Lizzo, that door finally opened wider showing the world that beauty has no size limit. I’m proud to be part of that shift. My first modeling opportunity was actually a lingerie fashion show. Definitely not the typical starting point, but I was already confident in my skin. It never mattered what I had on; I was going to rock it and make it look like the baddest thing you’ve ever seen, just off attitude alone.
One of my biggest moments in modeling was working with Tammy Rivera, that experience was unforgettable and truly a blessing. Since then, I’ve modeled for runway shows, boutiques, and print shoots. Every experience has helped me encourage women who look like me to see their own beauty. I was once the girl who got bullied for her dark skin and her size. I used to hate my complexion, but now I embrace it fully. When I model, I do it for the girls who are scared, the ones who need that little push to see themselves as beautiful too. Because when you meet me, when you see me walking that runway or posing for that camera, I want you to feel the same confidence radiating off me. Even though this year I slowed down on modeling to focus on getting my nail license, I know this next chapter will be even bigger and I can’t wait to show the world me.
Now, back to where it all began “makeup”. I started doing makeup in 2013. The story behind that is actually funny now, but it wasn’t back then. I was in a college pageant, and someone else did my makeup. Let’s just say, I walked out looking like a little orange Oompa Loompa with black brows. I promised myself right then and there, never again. I found a mentor on campus, a photographer who also did makeup, and we sat down for a one-on-one. From there, I hit the ground running, learning every new technique, trick, and trend I could.
What I love most about makeup isn’t just the art it’s the experience. The vibe I create for my clients, the joy they feel when they look in the mirror that’s what it’s about. Over the years, I’ve done it all fashion shows, weddings, editorial shoots, special effects, and even worked on a movie called The Pros and Cons that’s now on Tubi.
My goal now is to educate. I want to teach others that makeup isn’t hard, you just need the right guidance. Some people can’t follow tutorials or videos; they need that step by step, play by play breakdown of what they’re doing and why they’re doing it. When I started, I loved color blue lipstick, yellow eyeshadow, bold reds you name it, I wore it. I took pride in making color pop on my melanin because makeup is meant to be expressive, not restrictive.
And then came nails, a whole new chapter. I honestly never thought I’d be a nail tech. At first, it seemed overwhelming, people wanting ten different designs on ten different nails? I was like, “Oh my God, that’s stressful!” But now, nails are one of my greatest passions. They’ve become my outlet, my form of expression, and my way to create wearable art.
I’ll never forget my first full set during the pandemic. It took me eight hours yes, eight! The shape wasn’t perfect, and it was a natural tone with a little glitter, but I was so proud to have finished it. Fast forward to now I’ve grown so much. I understand structure, design, shaping, and everything that makes a set truly beautiful.
I just graduated from nail school and completed my certification hours, and now I’m preparing for my state board exam. That’s a huge milestone for me, and I’m so excited to take that next step as a licensed nail tech. Eventually, I want to teach, share my technical skills, my creativity, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way.
Everything I do makeup, nails, modeling comes from passion. When someone sits in my chair, they get a piece of me. My energy, my love, my art. That’s what it’s all about. The connection, the confidence, and the creativity.
The beauty industry has evolved so much. Back in the early 2000s, a simple pink-and-white set was enough. Now, we want everything, designs, chrome, bling, charms, all of it. That’s where I come in. I’m not your average nail tech. Even my simple nail girlies, I’m going to push the limits a little , encouraging you to try something new. Because you never know what you’ll fall in love with until you step out of your comfort zone.
Right now, I have my own salon suite where I do nails, and I couldn’t be prouder. The space is peaceful, creative, and 100% me. Every time I walk in, I’m reminded of how far I’ve come. From that girl taking eight hours on her first set to the artist, entrepreneur, and educator I’m becoming.
At the end of the day, my story is about passion, growth, and purpose. I’m just that from Detroit girl who turned her love for art into something real, something that makes people feel beautiful, confident, and seen. And trust me, I’m only getting started.
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?
When it comes to obstacles, I’ve definitely faced a few, especially in the modeling world. Being a plus-size model can be both beautiful and challenging at the same time. There are moments where it feels amazing to walk into a space that celebrates diversity, and then there are times when it can be really discouraging.
I’ve been to castings that said they were looking for models of all shapes, sizes, and colors, but when you actually get there, none of the designers have outfits that fit you. Or, they try to make something out of nothing, and sometimes that “something” just isn’t flattering or doesn’t complement being plus-size and stylish at the same time. That can be tough because as plus-size women, we want to feel confident, powerful, and seen, not like an afterthought.
As for makeup, I honestly haven’t had many challenges. It’s been more of a success story for me. A lot of my clients come to me after having bad experiences with other artists or being canceled on last minute. So, when they sit in my chair and I show up ready, on time, and deliver, it reminds me that professionalism and passion still matter. If you book with me, baby, I’m always ready.
With nails, the same thing. My biggest challenge was just getting through school, balancing everything, and staying consistent, but I made it. I completed my hours, graduated, and now I’m preparing for my state board exam. So really, I see every obstacle as an opportunity to prove to myself that I can do it, and I always do.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
When it comes to what I do, I create experiences. Whether it’s through nails or makeup, my goal is always to make people feel beautiful, confident, and unforgettable. With nails, I specialize in creative art pieces, unique, customized designs that stand out. I focus on precision, shaping, structure, and long-lasting retention, making sure every set not only looks stunning but also lasts. Each appointment is more than just a service; it’s an experience filled with good vibes, great energy, and a personal touch that my clients never forget.
On the makeup side, I specialize in soft glam and full glam looks. I pay close attention to detail, the texture of the skin, the balance of tones, and the overall finish. I’m known for creating makeup that’s flawless, wearable, and long-lasting. I’ve even had clients tell me their makeup lasted over 48 hours and still looked beautiful. That kind of trust and satisfaction means everything to me.
What sets me apart from others is my creativity and professionalism. I take pride in bringing my own artistry into every service I offer while still maintaining a level of care and consistency that keeps my clients coming back. I don’t just do beauty; I create moments that make people feel seen, celebrated, and confident in their own skin.
What I’m most proud of is the growth and versatility I’ve achieved across all areas of my craft. From makeup to nails to modeling, I’ve built a brand rooted in authenticity, artistry, and passion. Every time a client leaves my chair feeling more confident than when they came in, that’s a win for me,that’s my purpose.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Photo 1&2 temple photography studio
Photo 3 TD visual arts
Photo 4 Nice did it
Photo 8 I skinny love
