Today we’d like to introduce you to Jazzy Johnson.
Hi Jazzy, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
For as long as I can remember, I’ve always had a love for sculpting, drawing, sketching, and painting – creating beauty. But as I grew older, life got ugly. I grew a love for the fast-paced city life, had a baby at the age of 14, dropped out of high school, suffered from depression, and so much more. When I decided I wanted more for my son, I decided to turn things around and be better for him.
I went back to a high school for teen moms, where I surprisingly graduated as valedictorian. I obtained my Certified Nursing Assistant license right after graduating high school and later went on to college to get my nursing degree – graduating with honors and later becoming a psych nurse.
By this time, my love for art had kind of faded away. I felt like I had way more important things to do. It was all work, kids (I’d married and had 4 more children at that point) and no play. I felt I was successful. I had turned my life around and was thankful to be able to provide for my children. However, I still felt as if something was missing.
I still got depressed at times. Sometimes the depression would even affect me physically. At one point my energy was super low, weight was down, and my skin looked terrible. I was starting to lose myself. While helping me get through my depression, my ex-husband (although he’d played a major role in me being depressed at the time), asked me about my passions, the things I loved, and he suggested that I find a hobby. I picked up those makeup brushes. I picked them up not only to find a new hobby but also to hide the ugly blemishes on my face that had resulted from all the stress I’d been going through. Shortly afterward, I realized that with those brushes I could create my art again – create beauty!
Doing makeup became my escape. It helped bring my stress levels down, brought my confidence levels back up, and brought me back to a healthier space mentally. I once again loved and cherished me. Once I grew confident enough to start posting my makeup looks on social media, my friends started asking me to do their makeup. Those friends then referred me to their friends and soon afterward, I turned my makeup artistry into business.
That was 5 years ago. I am now a professional makeup artist and the owner of Cherished Beauty – an online luxury self-care store that offers beauty, bath & body, and aromatherapy products. I am also a psych nurse that has served the West Georgia area for over 9 years now. Through my makeup artistry and online store, my goal is to promote self-care, encourage the practice of self-love, and advocate for those who suffer from depression and other mental health issues.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As a full-time mom, a full-time nurse, and having recently just gone through a divorce (on top of life’s everyday stressors), depression definitely has found a way to ease its way back into my life every now and then. I’ve also had some moments where I’d just feel completely burnt out. Like so many others, I was always so busy with work and kids that I didn’t have any additional time or energy to pour into myself (or my business). I now fully understand and know firsthand how depression and burnout can derail and delay the success of your business. I was teaching and promoting self-care to others, but wasn’t practicing it enough myself. It was time for a change. I had to start practicing what I was preaching. I now make self-care a priority in my everyday life.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’ve always had a love for creating beauty. So, 5 years ago when I picked up my makeup brushes, I realized that with those brushes I could again create that art. I’m passionate about what I do and it shows.
I am most known in my town for achieving the most natural-looking makeover glams. I do the blinged-out full glams too, but the natural, softer glams are what are requested by my clients the most.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I love the self-help and self-care books. Some of my favorite books are “The Four Agreements” and “The Mastery of Self” which are both written by Don Miguel Ruiz. I also absolutely love “Queenology” by RC Blakes Jr. I also tune into RC Blakes Jr’s YouTube channel probably on a daily basis. On his channel, he promotes healing, self-actualization, self-love, and expansion, especially in women. Blakes is like that father that I’ve never had. I’ve learned so much from his books and through his channel.
Contact Info:
- Website: mycherishedbeauty.myshopify.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/jazzischerished
- Facebook: Facebook.com/jazzischerished
Image Credits
Tiffani Bray Photography
