Meet Jazzmin Harrison: Atlanta Makeup Artist & Beauty Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jazzmin Harrison Atlanta makeup artist and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jazzmin, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
There are a lot of misconceptions that people have in regards to makeup artists and how far they can take their career in the beauty industry. Some only know makeup artists for doing bridal parties makeup, mother-to-be baby shower makeup, and other intimate special occasions. Little do they know, the demand for makeup artist is wide and varietal. Makeup artists can work on all types of movie genre sets, including horror and thriller like makeup pioneer Tom Savini, a very talented prosthetic makeup artist. Artists can also travel the world with entertainers on tours and for other appearances. Just like the entertainer an artist may be traveling with, the MUA gets a to live the rockstar lifestyle, as well. Different cities every night, living on planes, staying in hotel after hotel, and getting to experience what your celebrity client is experiencing, is a thrill. It doesn’t stop at movies and music videos, makeup artists can also have their work displayed in and highlighted on the front cover of the most prestigious magazines. For instance, say Rihanna is on the cover of British Vogue. Her glam squad, all the designer peices she’s wearing, and the persons who captured the moment, is also on the cover of British Vogue. Not physically, but works of that kind are only achievable through a collaborative process. Not to mention the credibility one artist builds from being offered and executing a job of that magnitude. Along with credibility comes respect, demand, greater value, and most importantly, fulfillment. Within the last 10 years being a makeup artist is not just seen as a solely behind the scenes type of job. Today, MUA’s are influencers and trendsetters. Although their creative influence has never been shy of impactful, it is highlighted more today across the many social platforms. Makeup artists today acquire their own fan base and following of people who want to learn under them and will pay to do just that. Todays makeup artists hold seminars, book world tours, and host virtual courses where their supporters can learn from them and study their skill, tools, and business mindset. It is easy to believe that beauty entrepreneurs, such as makeup artists, only tend to the makeup needs of their clients, however that is wrong. No matter what area your demand is the most high, makeup artists must keep their makeup kit up to par at all times, for it does play a tremendous roll in how well their clients look. Makeup artists deal with taxes, inventory, book keeping, and other business owner duties. Selling a service bares similar responsibilities as selling a product. Lastly, outsiders may not realize that their favorite makeup brands were created by former or current makeup artists. Brands like Pat McGrath Labs, Laura Mercier, and Makeup By Mario were all created and/or owned by a makeup artists. Pat McGrath Labs is owned by a Black woman, investment firm Eurazeo Brands is a shareholder, and it has a billion-dollar value. I guess one can say that the sky truly is the limit when you’re a makeup artist. One day its your side hustle and the next you’re in Forbes for having a billion-dollar business. In fact, beauty is a billion-dollar business.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Being a creative being is exhilarating. I love that my canvas are faces of beautiful women with stories and ambitions of their own. When I post makeup transformation videos on Tik Tok or Instagram, appointments start to fill my calendar. It is exciting to see how people react to my work and even more fulfilling when they want to pay for an experience with me. What I would say sets me apart from other artist is that I put an emphasis on keeping relationships with my clients strong. I believe that strong testimonials and returning clients will help a business thrive. I have noticed that some artists primarily focus on quantifying their clientele, which is great, but having a solid band of returning clients will be extremely, maybe even more, beneficial. I got to where I am today by making sure my relationship with clients who returned over and over again was strong and that I made accommodations for them if needed. Making a client feel important and valued will almost guarantee them back in your chair. It is not easy choosing which clients to repeatedly accommodate but loyalty plays a huge role in the beauty industry so I look out for the clients who chose my business over others regularly. One never knows when a client can mention their name in the right room and around the right people, it could be life changing. I’ve learned, though, not all jobs are big, career boosting gigs. For a while, you are just maintaining and building foundation at a specific level in your career. At this time in my career when I am maintaining I pour some devotion into developing a course for women to take and learn how to do a beauty routine perfect for them. I am excited to be offering hands on one-on-one classes because I believe all women should know how to enhance their beauty and confidence with makeup. That is, indeed, what it is for. Face Like Hers, my makeup artistry business, is taking it up a notch with not only offering makeup application services but makeup education services as well. With my Beauty Industry Essentials certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, I am confident that my classes, which are going to be available in 2022, are going to change the way women look at their own makeup bags at home. They will be less timid and more daring!

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.
Living in Atlanta, the most fun! If I were to have a friend come in town for a week I would first take them to Slutty Vegan, a Black-owned vegan restaurant. This place is popular for tasting like what its not and. being insanely delicious. Next, I’m shocking their minds with taking them to SkyView Atlanta in Centennial Park for some scenic views. A lot of people are not aware that Atlanta has a Ferris wheel. Going to the Garden Room restaurant is a most have on the agenda. If its one thing my best friend and I have common it’s taking lots of pictures. The Garden Room is by far one of the prettiest places to eat, and there are a lot of Atlantians who would attest. We would then take our photo taking energy to Atlanta’s Selfie Museum. Yup, a museum where you can actually take all the pictures you want! Of course you can’t come to Atlanta without going to The Battery for some drinks and good ole socializing. Also, it is only appropriate to dedicate a couple days just for fine dining since Atlanta has some of the best 5 star restaurants. Oceanaire, Ray’s in the City, and 5Church can gladly take our money! The list can go on, which is why Atlanta is so popular and tourist friendly.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Ambition, a strong desire to do or to achieve something, typically requiring determination and hard work. My parents have never encouraged me to stay in a box and follow what everyone else is doing. When most of the students in my high school graduating class went straight off to college, I packed up my stuff and went down south to Atlanta to pursue a career as a celebrity makeup artist and my parents have been the most supportive and encouraging. My father sends me ideas on where I should take my career next on the daily and my mother helps me with my confidence and remembering that comparison and competition will only aid in ones destruction. Without the wisdom and support of my parents, I would not be where I am today.

Website: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17450155

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facelikehers/?hl=en

Other: Email- bookingfacelikehers@gmail.com Work Tel.- (240)780-6599

Image Credits
^All photos were taken by me on my phone.^