Meet Jai Gomes | Aspiring Teen Makeup Artist & Model

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jai Gomes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jai, do you have a budget? how do you think about personal finances?
I definitely do. I have to think about if what I’m spending money on is necessary or not and if I can find it for cheaper somewhere else or on sale.

I like spending money but I like having money as well, so I have to have the mindset of not buying products for the looks of it and think about if I really need/want it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a teen makeup artist i definitely think my age and price ranges set me apart for others. I wanted Glamourize to target people who can’t get their makeup done for such high prices. It can be hard to find someone to do makeup for a lower price range, especially when you have a tight budget. For me, I’m not certified yet so I can only go but so high with my own prices but I know once I am fully certified my prices won’t be too expensive.

I’m most excited about going to cosmetology school to further my learning and techniques in makeup to get my cosmetology certification + license.
I’m most proud of starting Glamourize and doing makeup on others while being Self Taught.

Getting where I am now was fairly hard. I didn’t know what I wanted to do at all and I had always thought i wanted to make art through jewelry or paintings. I always had a passion for makeup but I never took into consideration that I wanted to be a makeup artist as much as I loved makeup and beauty. I go through challenges daily as a black teen girl but also as someone with ADHD and social anxiety. People don’t realize the struggles Black females go through with ADHD whatsoever, a lot of us struggle in silence because it’s some parents don’t do research on ADHD in girls. But I’ve learned how to push through those struggles and prove a lot of people wrong, showing them that I can be successful.
I want people, specifically teens of color and neurodivergent people to know. That you can do what you want. Don’t let people tell you want you can’t do, work hard for what you want because you can become successful too.

On the other hand, I cant speak much about my modeling experience since I’ve just begun, I’ve only done two shows and 2/3 shoots.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Here in Virginia there are some great places to hangout! My favorite place to go is Busch Gardens Williamsburg, whether it’s alone or with friends or family I never get tired of going there. In the summer time Water Country USA is such a great water park to go to if you love swimming!

Virginia Beach is the hit tourist spot during summer time, the oceanfront has tons of things to do, there are restaurants, bars, ice cream shops, etc there, as well as a Ferris wheel and other fun attractions!

I definitely recommend trying Little Dog Diner in Norfolk/VB area, their food is amazing. My favorite restaurant of all times to go to is Franks Monster Munchies in Newport News, they make lots of Mexican dishes!! The vibe inside is amazing as well.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Firstly, my parents!!! They always push me to do cool and different things and support me no matter what, I am so greatful for them.

I mainly want to shoutout the camp that got me where I am now, Envision Lead Grow (ELG).

ELG is a free camp for young girls from grades 6th – 12th who want to create their own businesses. ELG targets specifically girls of color and girls that come from low income areas in the Hampton roads area in Virginia.

I’ve attended ELG for about 6+ years and they have helped me come out of my shell and also help me find my greatest passion.

Their founder is Dr. Angela Reddix, an author, entrepreneur, and creator of The Mustard Seed Place as well as ARDX and I want to thank her and her daughter Anyssa Reddix for creating such a safe place for young girls of color

I also want to thank Angelyn Moultrie for shouting me out
🍭💞🫧🧁🎀

Instagram: @glam0ur1ze

Image Credits
Runway photo credits to LuckyLadyPhotography

Headshot creds to
Pakk.archives

Last photo creds to
R.A Images