Meet Jasmine Jones | Entrepreneur & Makeup Artist

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

Hi Jasmine, what habits do you feel helped you succeed?
If there are any habits that have contributed to my success, I would say discipline, ingenuity, and prayer.

I firmly believe that no goal can be achieved without discipline, whether it be personal or professional. When we practice discipline, it creates a solid foundation for achieving the very things we set out to accomplish. In the beauty industry, there’s constant change. You have to remain focused and consistent in this business, while adjusting to the new norm of whatever the latest trend has cultivated. This is where ingenuity comes into play. There have been quite a few times when I’ve had to go back to the drawing board with my brand. Being an artist of any magnitude requires a great deal of creativity and originality. While I consider myself a “vet” in the game, I’m also still a student of the craft. I personally enjoy exploring new and innovative ways to expand my brand, and my horizons. Most times, it’s required huge leaps of faith & heavy prayers. I have yet to fail with the power of praying hands. My relationship with God is a highly present, yet intimate one. I go to God about everything, especially when it involves my gift & its purpose.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Well, I’m Jasmine Jones, owner of JRA•MUA, a luxury beauty brand, specializing in multiple avenues of makeup artistry, including everyday beauty, bridal, fashion/lifestyle print and editorial, tv commercials, film projects, as well as, education. What sets me apart from other artists is that I can’t be placed in a box creatively. I’m not afraid to try new techniques and/or explore other areas of makeup artistry. When I first started my career as a makeup artist, it wasn’t an “all in” decision. Imposter syndrome held me hostage for years. I often told myself that the industry was already over saturated, and there was no need for another makeup artist in my city. Even as my love for makeup grew, there was still a tug of war between what I had to do & what I loved to; until one day I made a really big faith move, and left my full time job to pursue my business full time. In the midst of the pandemic, and pregnant with my 3rd child! If that ain’t stepping out on faith, I don’t know what is. Present day, I can confidently say, it was one of the best decisions I could have made. My career has awarded me numerous opportunities, publications and recognition on multiple syndicated media outlets, including Ebony, Birmingham Times, CBS, & Al.com. In addition to being a business owner, I also work for one of the biggest beauty & cosmetic brands in the world, where I get a front row seat to maximizing my skills & be apart of the continuous evolution of a brand.

In just a few short years, JRA•MUA will be 10 years old! I’m still in awe of how God has blessed me with the gift of doing what I love, every day! One lesson I’ve learned is that delay does not mean denial. Remain steadfast, and patient, and know that the easy way, isn’t always the best way. James 1:4 says, “Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” When it’s purpose lead, you have to keep going, even in the midst of adversity, and always trust God’s perfect timing.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Birmingham is growing with new restaurants and things to do. Most recently, I visited Belo Hookah Lounge. The decor gives you an underwater, aquarium feel. The drinks were good, and the vibes were dope, courtesy of the DJ & of course, the hookah. I love food, so I’m always searching for a food truck event. One
of my favorite food trucks is Aww Shucks. They have a really dope twist on street corn and also have an actual restaurant, where they serve veggie and vegan based dishes. They’re also a black owned business. There’s also an Intoxicated Chemist that recently opened here that I’m looking forward to visiting, and of course any concerts or events that come to our city, like the neo-soul candlelight orchestra concert I’ll be attending soon. There’s a little a bit of everything here!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
To the ones whom allow the world to experience my gift to its fullest capacity, first, my family! My parents, my children, my sister, & my someone special. They’ve made many sacrifices for me to do what I love. I don’t know what I would do without them.

My best friends! They were my 1st models. I remember early in my career, sending them photos of my work asking for feedback. They’re the ones up on the prayer call at 6:30am, praying over me and pouring into me. Clapping for me, when I didn’t clap for myself. Reminding me that even a small win, is still a win!!! I’m truly blessed in good company.

My MAC family, specifically Santana & Tiffany! To work for this company was & is a dream. I love & appreciate you two more than you’ll ever know. Thank you, for continuing to make it a reality!

My In & Out family! It’s really only up from here! Let’s continue to learn from & grow with each other!

Lastly, to every client, & collaborative partner who chose me and continue to choose me, time & time again, thank you!!!

Website: https://WWW.JRAMUA.COM

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_jramua.com_

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JRAMUA

Image Credits
Tez Davenport
Deangelo Rose
Jeff Suttle
Shad Shot It
Hollery Morris
Victor Cole