Jen Malavé shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Jen , thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I start my mornings with a prayer, followed by a couple cups of coffee, then a look see at my calendar to get inspired and prepare myself for the world. A hike or a visit to the gym if possible comes next just to make sure I squeeze in some self care.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a Visual Artist. A licensed Master Cosmetologist, 2021 Emmy Nominated Makeup Artist, Body Painter and Muralist. My brand is Genisis Fresh established in 2013 with the intention of providing Beauty and Art using non toxic products from plant based hair color to cruelty free makeup and water based paint. I freelance mostly on film and television sets and theater as well, working as Makeup Department Head. I also provide services to everyday clients while using organic ingredients to enhance the physical and mental relaxation.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
Communication is the greatest tool for human beings. The ability to share and express your truth to each other is what makes a bond worth having. It can also break a bond if it’s lacking in any relationship or friendship from clients to working relationships. The importance of self expression in any dynamic holds as much weight as the respect given and shown to each other as well. When there is a breakdown of either is when an issue can arise and keeping an open mind to different experiences and point of views is so important. How you show up for yourself and other’s can either build or destroy a bond. Keeping open lines of communication can always restore a fractured relationship if people are willing to hear each other out. If we all operated from a place of love and good intentions anything is possible in my opinion.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
There’s still beauty in the struggle. Anyone attempting to live a full life and making a living off their passion knows that there will be peaks and valleys. Trying to stay inspired during the low points can be very challenging but once that time passes and you land on the other side of it, you can look back and see all the lessons and trials that needed to happen to get to that place and it’s all worth it in the end. Things change, life throws you curve balls and then you pivot or surrender and giving up is never an option. So you continue on to the next thing that brings you joy and reconnects with your passion. My artistry has shifted so many times through out my journey so far and having faith in the process is what keeps me going. Even the struggles serve a purpose. What goes up comes down and visa versa, so on it goes.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I would say staying authentic to myself. Wherever I go I show up fully prepared to always be me. Everyone has something that’s unique to them and I think that is what makes people so special. It’s the ability to stay true to yourself regardless of the spaces you find yourself in and honoring the person that you are that’s the most important. No one is perfect and we all have so many differences but the core of a person and the energy they bring is what represents them. Knowing how to carry it all and be respectful is key. I always want someone’s experience with me to be a good one and that’s what I lead with in all my endeavors and my expectations of people are the same. Show up as yourself and be true to who you are.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I was born to create! I would say I’m doing exactly what I was meant to do. Part of it is expressing myself through artistry and the other part is bringing joy to people through acts of service. There’s not a single creature on earth that doesn’t enjoy kindness. A listening ear to achieve a certain desired look that boost confidence, or a wall painted in a home that brings joy to the eyes. From teaching art to the elderly or designing a haircut specifically to fit a face shape that makes someone feel seen. What I do makes me happy and I try my best to show up in the spirit of gratitude for my gifts and be confident in my skills so I can continue to create at a level that makes other’s happy too.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Genisisfresh.com
- Instagram: @genisisfresh
- Linkedin: JenMalavé
