Today we’d like to introduce you to Janelle Hawkins.
Janelle, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started my journey almost six years ago! Can’t believe it’s been that long already! I graduated cosmetology school and had just landed my first “big” job as a beauty consultant for Christian Dior. Three years flew by and then it dawned on me that I wasn’t no longer being challenged or growing my potential. Over the years my clients, co-workers and family would tell I was a MAC girl. I laughed because I felt that my skills weren’t up to par with such high standards. I let yet another year pass and finally woke up! I reached out to a Mac Cosmetics recruiter, went through an intense three-part interview process and to my surprise got the position!
At the time, I thought my journey would end there. I finally landed the job position I worked hard for. All the years of managing, selling, building clientele, and my makeup artistry was finally at a point where I felt confident in my work. Life has a funny way of pushing you outside of your comfort zone because a year into working in my new position at a new location, I became pregnant! No big deal, I had previously worked throughout my whole pregnancy with both of my other children, no problem!
Well I was considered high risk and not able to work. I stepped down immediately and made the decision to just freelance for MAC. While being at home waiting on the arrival of the baby, I decided to post briefly on social media platforms since I had so much time now!
Slowly but surely my following grew. Clients came out of nowhere and companies were emailing me to send me free products to try and promote. I guess it’s safe to say that I never went back to work for Mac. I made the decision by working for myself. I could spend more time with my kids, build my brand and take as many clients that God sent my way!
Great, 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?
I laugh as I answer this question! It has not been a smooth road. I feel like everyone’s story is different along with their struggles and mine isn’t no different. Some of my struggles along the way would be not being patient enough, motherhood and the process of building my clientele. Patience I learned is very important to have when growing a business.
Everything isn’t going to happen overnight and takes in my case years to finally see the fruits of your labor. Several times I let discouragement hinder my ability to keep going because of my lack for patience. I have three daughters! 6,4, and 2, so my hands are always full and finding time along with dependable child care is very hard. I am grateful for my husband and family that always have been my village throughout my journey. Lastly building clients! Again, it doesn’t happen overnight! I remember praying for a least one client and now I have to turn people down due to me being booked or if I have prior arrangements.
Please tell us more about your work. What do you do? What do you specialize in? What sets you apart from competition?
I am a freelance makeup artist specializing in bridal and photography makeup. I am known for my bold looks and soft glam before and after on my clients. I believe when you sit in my chair, I am magnifying the beauty that already exists.
I am most proud of the diversity and versatility of my company. I have clients from all races, shades and ages. It’s my responsibility that they’ll feel beautiful and unique when leaving out my chair. What sets me apart from other Makeup Artists is my range of artistry. I am capable of doing soft neutral or bold colors with glitter and precision. I adjust according to my client’s desire look.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
The proudest moment! I have too many to answer but I will say when I booked my first bridal party! It was two years ago. However, I remember feeling on top of the world! A wedding party of nine and I felt every emotion you could imagine! Fear, excitement, anticipation! You name it, I felt. I remember walking out the door humbled. I was proud that one I was capable of doing my best and two the smiles on every single bridesmaid and how much the bride loved my work. That day I drove off knowing that makeup was my gift and purpose.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 4045092846
- Email: janelle.t.hawkins@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeupjunkie_jay/
- Other: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=16964330
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