Meet Shannon Jennings | Professional Bridal Hair and Makeup Artist

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

Hi Shannon, what’s the most important thing you’ve done for your children?
I have four children: Anderson (24), Avery (22), Ellie (16), and Samuel (9). Some say I’m lucky to have so many children and some gasp when I tell them the numbers. I consider myself incredibly blessed and humbled to have the privilege to raise them. What is the most important thing that I have taught them? Great question! I believe that children learn by observing us – more is caught than taught. First and foremost, I believe they have learned the value of serving someone. Hair and makeup design is an artistic expression, but it is an industry of serving others. They know how to listen and make someone feel valuable. Although my boys know how to braid hair (Ha! I know, it is what they grew up watching me do!) they also run their own businesses now. (No, not in the bridal industry.) They have learned to listen to clients and execute their vision with excellence. My children have also learned the value of integrity. They know to treat everyone with the utmost importance and respect. In turn, they reap the benefits of referrals. So many of my clients come from former brides who recommend me for their big day. That is the greatest compliment in my business. Trends push business owners to advertise and pay for ‘likes’, but in my business, there is nothing more valuable than ‘a raving word of mouth referral’. I consider it an honor and privilege to serve others, and to know that my children are embracing the same perspective of work ethic and service is one of the reasons I do what I do.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a professional wedding hair and makeup artist and I love what I do. I have been in the industry for almost 20 years, and I work almost every weekend serving the Southeast, particularly Georgia brides. Was it easy to get here? I never set out to be the best wedding hair and makeup artist in Atlanta – that was never my motivating goal. My goal was and has always been to deliver the best service, above industry standards – to intently listen to what my client wants and then deliver that with my artistry. That is what has brought my success. I treat my bride’s wedding day as if she is a dear friend or family member. My clients know that they have my full attention. What are the lessons that I have learned along the way? In my early years of hair and makeup, I learned that trends change quickly. It was up to me to study and find the best products. It was up to me to learn new techniques and stay ahead of the game. But the most important lesson I learned is that I carry a lot of responsibility to ensure that a bride’s day runs smoothly. I work on the front end to be the stress-free part of the bride’s day and I have become known for that. To me, that is being a professional – providing timely, organized, and excellent service.
If I have one message to share with the world about Artistry by Shannon, it would be that you are beautiful and worthy. Hair and makeup artistry are more than hairspray and lipstick, it is crossing into a personal space and touching someone’s skin who may not feel lovely. I remember putting makeup on women in Uganda and one young woman began to cry when I touched her face. She told me that everyone in her village had rejected her and that no one had ever told her she was beautiful. This life is about more than being financially successful, it’s about loving and serving others. Success follows when our priorities are in the right place.

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?
Atlanta has so many fun places to visit! If I had to suggest just one place with children, it would be The Georgia Aquarium. I had a bride who was a dolphin trainer and all of her stories entertained me. I’ve had couples get married there too and the pictures are incredible. I love the Botanical Gardens as well. We have such beauty in this city!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family – my husband John, and my four children – Anderson, Avery, Ellie, and Samuel

Instagram: www.instagram.com/artistrybyshannon

Image Credits
Rooted Glory, Authentic Collective, Hannah Lee Payton