It's Not Just Makeup: It's Culture

The best part of being a makeup artist is not the makeup. It's the people. More specifically, learning about my clients. I'm a geek (I've said this many times). I'm extremely intrigued by learning about various cultures. I am an avid documentary watcher. I JUST love learning about people. 

Makeup has served as my conduit to learn about various cultures. It also helps me learn the proper etiquette when dealing with clients. It's good to acknowledge and show sensitivity to their values. 

Here are 2 things that I've learned about various cultures in the past 3 months:

Orthodox Jewish women must cover their hair once married. Only their husbands can see it. Therefore, many will wear a snood or scarf during normal daily tasks. Some even wear high quality wigs called "sheitels". These wigs are handmade with premium virgin (unprocessed) human hair. Sheitels can cost upwards of $5K depending on the quality. The women care for them like their own hair with regular cuts, color and styles.

Latin women LOVE makeup! They are beauty goddesses. I have a Venezuelan client who squealed with delight when she saw my makeup arsenal. Latinas celebrate their beauty regardless of age, lifestyle or status. She's secure of her role in her family and society. She embraces the "joys of being a woman". When you see her, she'll always look good from head to toe. She will capture you with her confidence and sass :) 

As an American, I'm always captivated by people who live by different values and don't compromise for society. It shows such confidence and conviction. Rock on!  

The Vixen Box: Vixens: Jamaya the Beauty Guru

Thanks to the Vixen Box for featuring me as a "Beauty Vixen". Click on the link to learn more about me and my beauty journey!

The Vixen Box: Vixens: Jamaya the Beauty Guru: What’s your name and where are you from?   Jamaya Moore from Baltimore, MD  How has being natural affected your life? How do you feel ...

Truth: I Kinda Like Weddings

Truth: I get married at least 30 times a year.

Truth: I've only worked with one bridezilla.

Truth: My brides are really stunning. 

Weddings haven't always been my choice job. Early on in my makeup career, I wasn't too fond of working with brides. I encountered a "bridezilla" who really turned me off.  It was a challenge for me to get back into the swing of things.

During my time away from brides, I educated myself on the wedding industry. Brides are a different client. She's not going to her high school reunion nor is she a model at a fashion shoot. She is a woman preparing for one of the most important moments in her life. Everything has to be better than perfect. On this day, she will be her most exquisite, glamorous self. 

I often ask my brides tons of questions to determine who they are, what vision they have for their wedding and what they expect from me. I love brides who want a "wow" factor on the wedding day. I mean why would you wanna look like your 'everyday' self wearing a floor length gown with a 2 foot train, corset and veil? Getting married is a once in a lifetime event. I am honored to be able to participate in such an intimate occasion. 

Weddings are the equivalent of an actress' red-carpet moment. I am apart of the glam team responsible for the award-winning look. Let's make history by creating a look that will have your future-husband drooling at the altar and your guests fawning over you. Schedule a consultation by emailing Jamaya@JamayaMoore.com

Upcoming Class: Beauty on a Budget

As you all know, I am passionate about sharing my makeup knowledge with my clients and colleagues. I'm always on the hunt for products & tools that are effective; but, easy on the pockets. With recent product advancements and ingredients, cosmetic companies are creating affordable yet AMAZING products. So many women are put off by drug store brands because of past bad experience or status. Join me in my "Beauty on a Budget" class on August 11th. We'll discuss how to choose products that will help you create a flawless face on a dime! Join us!

How Dirty Is Your Makeup?

If a makeup artist opens his/her kit and you see the following...proceed with caution or RUN! 

• Brown &/or discolored brushes
• Using mascara and lip products directly from the tube (no disposable wands)
• Powder spills inside bags containers
• Dirty product containers/palettes/
• No hand sanitizers/wipes/alcohol
• Dirty sponges

Keep your makeup clean and fresh. Place a calendar entry in your phone to remind you when to replace items. Please observe the makeup artists that you hire. Their kit should be spotless and clean.  If you're with a large party, observe the makeup artist. Dirty brushes should be separated from clean ones and not re-used. Hands should be washed/wiped/ sanitized between clients. 

I'm such a germaphobe. I'm signing out so I can clean my kit!

To all my makeup wearing friends & artists, feel free to chime in with your suggestions :) 

Google It

Lately I've been getting alot of texts and emails from other artists asking specific (makeup related) questions that can be answered relatively easily by simply taking the time to "Google It".

I am grateful to be a resource to them; but, sometimes you have to take the initiative and do the background info on you own. 

Over time I've had new experiences i.e. doing makeup for a cross dressing client,

My Experience Working for MAC Cosmetics: Its Not For Everyone

Aspiring artists and clients always ask about my experience working for MAC Cosmetics. Over the years I've heard tons of varying opinions about products, the level of artistry, hiring issues and customer service. What I will say may surprise you but this is strictly my opinion based on my experience. I have worked for MAC for several years in various locations so I have seen it all.

If you are a person who does not like change, then working in fashion/beauty/entertainment business is not for you. Professions in this industry require a great amount of flexibility and innovation.

Working for MAC Cosmetics has been one of the best experiences in my career as a makeup artist. Yes, I said it and lemme repeat: Working for MAC Cosmetics has been one of the best experiences in my career as a makeup artist.

Five Attitudes You Should Eliminate If You Plan to Work for MAC Cosmetics (or any other makeup brand)

As a MAC alumni, I get a lot of calls from aspiring makeup artists asking if they should work for MAC. It’s not an easy conversation. For one, MAC is not the easiest job to land. There are countless interviews (at least 3). You have to have something special to be a MAC artist. It’s not for everyone; yet, everyone thinks they can do it...NOT! Call me what you want, but I love that company. They have strong branding and they never compromise. Their products are always evolving.

I am a MAC girl. I love other brands too, but I don’t know of one artist who does not have a MAC product in their kit. 

Enough of the sappy-ness, here are my 5ive Attitudes You Should Eliminate If You Plan to Work for MAC Cosmetics (or any other makeup brand)

1. You don’t like teamwork.

Being a makeup artist involves a considerable amount of collaboration and teamwork. On counter, we also share products and knowledge. You will always hear “Who has a Blacktrack or Spiked?” by artists searching for products at one of their colleagues work stations. Artists always ask each for help during foundation matching. Every artist sees something different. Someone is always there to offer tips and tricks on new products. At the end of the night, everyone has to assist with cleaning the store. So, it’s never just about YOU! You have to work as a unit. Working at MAC will prepare you for working on set with other creatives (photographers, hairstylists, manicurists, wardrobe stylist, etc.)

2. You don’t like change.

Freelance Notes: Don't Stress Over Perceived Missed Opprtunities

During the summer, I missed a day of shooting at the gun range with my friends to meet with an agency in New York. To say I felt excited would be an understatement. I was floating. My meeting was awesome! The energy was cosmic.

One of the owners asks me to stay in the city to assist with a job the following day. I had to decline because of 2 photo shoots back home. Needless to say, work back home flopped: model cancelled on one shoot and half the models were present for the other.

I sent an email (working on getting my personal thank you cards) to the agency following up on our meeting. All week long, I wondered to myself, ‘what would've happened if I stayed’? I ran this past Glen. He told me to stop dwelling on it. Everything is not meant to be. No more singing the “should of, would of, could of’s”

Weeks later, I get a call from the agency asking if I was available to assist with a new client project. Since then, I've gotten calls to work on a bi-weekly basis.

We can’t dwell over perceived missed opportunities. As long as you’re prepared, there will be tons of new opportunities that may change your life.

You have to have faith that everything you want will come to fruition. It may not happen when we want it; but, it will happen.

Let it go. Keep working and you’ll be surprised at what your future holds.

Love,
Jamaya

Freelance Notes: Just a Little Push

I have met numerous women and men who expose their dreams to me. There are 3 people that are currently making it happen. I am very proud of their journeys. I’m so elated that I was able to inspire them to pursue their dreams.

This life isn't for everybody. Along with the dream, comes hard work, persistence and dedication. I have found myself through this journey.

Sometimes people just need a little push: a pep talk, venting session, the hard truth, a dose of reality, validation and encouragement. That little nudge often leads to big results.

Keep pushing!

Love,
Jamaya

Business + Personal: Working with Friends

In business we work with people that we have mutual interests with. Sometimes friendships are developed during this process. Heck, it can be inevitable at times. Your creative colleagues are sometimes the only folks who you could watch a documentary on Helvetica (yes, the font). We can be nerds with these folks and they really get it or add it to it. You may even have a friend that was your 1st client and continues to support you through your process. Support i.e. embarking on business ventures together and hiring you for personal projects.

Just because we’re friends, you don’t have a pass to be late for a job. Or to forget about an appointment. Or to jeopardize your clients for the sake of a project with your friend. Or to assume that I will work with you on a project when I said “maybe”.

Freelance Notes: Look the Part, Play the Part

Question:

What is your best yet easiest method of promotion: YOU

look the part, play the part

Whenever I’m in the public eye, I am on. I never know who I will meet. No, I do not wear a full face everyday. I keep it simple with tinted moisturizer, concealer, mascara, bronzer. I keep my skin healthy, nails manicured and hair groomed. If I’m tired, I’ll throw on a pair of $5.80 shades from Forever21.

I wear what I like but I never try to hard. Its so apparent. I just go with my feelings. I am aware of trends; yet, I am not a slave to fashion.

Freelance Notes: You Can't Shovel Someone Else's Snow Until You Shovel Your Own

I was involved in an accident on the light rail during early spring. I suffered from whiplash and a  few sprains. I started seeing Doc for physical therapy 3 times a week. Doc is a springy, energetic, guy in his early 50’s. One day I asked him if he was a hippie back in Woodstock.

I loved visiting his office.His optimism always invigorated my day. The atmosphere was inviting and I felt like I was in a Cheers episode. Whenever I called the office, they always answered the phone “Hey Ms. Moore”. They have caller id but it still felt so personal.

Unlike other therapy offices, I actually saw Doc everyday.  It was amazing watching someone follow their passion and build a career from it. His patients definitely feel the love (I did!)

Freelance Notes: Am I Good Enough?

Am I good enough?

This is a question that often accompanies fear and self doubt. Once you believe you are deserving of goodness, there are no boundaries to what you heart can desire. Open up, tear down those walls and dream. 

Trust me, don't let others opinions determine your worth.

We are online hundreds of hours a week. Getting exposed to other artists, entrepreneurs, etc. don't get caught up in comparing your work to their. Followers, likes, retweets DONT mean anything if the work is not GOOD. Life is not a Venn diagram. No comparing & contrasting. Celebrate what makes you different and leverage it.



Love,
Jamaya

Freelance Notes: Take Responsibility

"If you're sitting around waiting on somebody to save you, to fix you, to even help you, you are wasting your time because only you have the power to take responsibility to move your life forward. The sooner you get that, the sooner your life gets into gear." -Oprah Super Soul Sunday 

Freelance Notes: My Hierarchy of Communication

Business should not be conducted through Facebook messages. Facebook is too friendly. Send me an email. If you have my number, text or call me on the phone .Now a days, everyone has their phones at all times; which, is linked to their email, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.

My Hierarchy of Communication

Face to face
Phone Calls
Text messages
Email
Video Chat
Facebook                              

How many times has someone responded to your email days or weeks later stating it went into their spam folder? bull$*%! Follow up! I know you saw me post on Instagram...you know you saw me (lol)!

I'm DFD...gotta get back to work!
Love,
Jamaya

Freelance Notes: Clean House

You really can't reach your true potential until you clean out your closet

If your finances are jacked, how can you handle contracts, invoices, and big checks  

If your self esteem is low, how can you give beauty to your clients

If your house is untidy, how can your kit be sanitary

Give your true unfiltered self to your passion

Once you have pure and clear intentions, goodness will come to you.


Love,
Jamaya

Freelance Notes: Condense that Kit

I've revamped my kit too many times to count. I remember the frustration as a younger artist pulling so many items of my kit, that I became overwhelmed. Things have a way of working out of your life because that kit was stolen. Long story short, my car was broken into and my kit was in the trunk (wah, wah, wah)

In makeup school, I never learned the importance of having palettes in my kit. Palettes are less expensive, makes your kit lighter, more organized and easy to clean. My second kit was full of nothing but palettes.

It’ll make your life 10 times easier..guaranteed!

• Depot all eye shadows, blushes, pressed powders, bronzers into palettes (if they are from MAC, you can recycle the plastic housing through the BAck to MAC program)
• Z Palette just created a deep-dish palette (sounds like a pizza) that can fit your baked powders (MAC Mineralize)
• Take all your lipsticks and depot them into a weekly pill box
• Liquid Foundation bottles...tricky one....get mini travel bottles from Muji and label
• Creme Foundations depot into a palette
• Ziploc bags are your best friends. They can hold lip pencils, eyeliners, cream shadows, false lashes, etc.
• In case of extreme emergency, Makeup For Ever Flash Palette can serve as a dupe for all the above makeup items: custom foundation, creme shadow, lipstick, blush, highlight, contour
• Purchase products that can be used multi-taskers i.e cake liners, MAC cream color base, Makeup For Ever Uplight, NARS Illuminators, Urban Decay liners

Follow the hashtag #CondenseThat Kit on Instagram for ideas on condensing your kit

Freelance Notes: Less Money, Mo Problems

There aren't many people who choose to freelance and start out making a gazillion dollars. For some people it can be months, years or decades. I worked full time at a stressful job making really good money. So when I decided to make the plunge to freelance full time, I wasn't ready for the sacrifices that came with it. I THOUGHT I saved enough money and cleared my credit; but, I wasn't prepared for the mental anguish that accompanied my new lifestyle.

This is the happiest that I have ever been; but, the brokest (money wise). I have almost surpassed my former corporate America salary. I am a happy artist, just working to have my bank account reflect my current state of mind.

While freelancing you never know when you’ll receive your next pay. After you invoice a corporate client, it may take 30-45 days to see a check. 

Getting your finances in order before freelancing is a must. In addition to housing, food and other necessities, you have to restock your kit with products and pay for a website.

You have to keep yourself well-put together. Neat, clean, professional. Cultivate your relationships wisely. You may have to barter services until you get on your feet, but; don't forget those that help you along the way.

You will have to make some sacrifices to live this life. Starting with minimizing your monthly living expenses. As freelancers, we are not able to gauge how much money we will earn each month. Our salary can fluctuate quite a bit. You should pare down your living expenses to avoid shelling out too much money each month. Create a tight budget and stick to it. Yes, I know, it can be hard when you wanna take classes and purchase new products. Those are items that we set goals and plan for.

Freelance Notes: Building & Cultivating Your Network

Since I started doing makeup, I’ve built a new network of friends. They are so different from my normal circle of friends. They are my beauty sisters and brothers. Some of them are makeup artists, hair stylists, barbers, manicurists and clothing designers. We are all creatives. We often share the same clients. We can talk for hours on end about the latest makeup, beauty shows and clothes.

I have had the opportunity to work with many people in my network, either as their client or as teammates. We know each other on several different levels. I respect my beauty family. We keep in touch through the interwebs. We might hang out at trade shows or bump into each other shopping.

If my schedule is booked, I have a list of several makeup artists that I can refer clients to. I feel good knowing that I just helped someone in my network gain more business. I never keep tabs on who I refer to. I know that I get good business from my network. In order to receive, you must give.

Your network is essential for your success. There have been several times when I've been referred to awesome jobs because someone in my network was booked. They could decline the job; but, they thought about me. Everyone wins. Winning duh!

We are not BFF’s but respect each other’s talent and business. It’s always nice to vent to someone who understands your trouble because they just dealt with the same thing. My “regular” friends can’t always relate to my stories.

I enjoy talking to my network because I always learn something new. A new class, product, technique or show. I’m always looking for new stuff; but; I’m only one person. I don't know it all.

I don't consider none of these people my competition because we are all different. We might have the same profession; but; our talents are unique. There is more than enough work for everyone. Share. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.

Surround yourself with people who share your enthusiasm for learning and achieving  success. Those are your comrades. Keep your team tight. Stay in touch with people. Call, email, text, tweet or Facebook them. You never know. They may need you. Just be your genuine self. Give, give, give!

Love,
Jamaya