Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimmy Jones.
Kimmy, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’m the oldest of six children, and three of my siblings are female. Since my mother is a hairstylist, I was taught at a very early age how to manage my sister’s hair as well as my own. I used to think that I wanted to be a hairstylist until I married my husband at the tender age of 19 years old, and he was beginning to take his love for photography serious. I started practicing on myself with makeup so that he could photograph me as his model, then I started booking photo shoots with photographers and gaining promotional model opportunities through talent and modeling portfolio websites. I was able to be photographed (on film back then) and get a real look at what my skills would look like in print. Let me add that I was not that convinced that I was talented enough to be a makeup artist just yet. I would meet models that hired my husband and models at different events. I would nicely ask if I could practice on their faces and my husband would photograph them for free. The compensation was a TFP (Time For Prints). After practicing on live models, and countless days and nights of sitting in the library reading about colors theory, and watching Sam Fine on DVD, I was ready to start charging for my services.
Years ago, I charged a little bit of nothing because I doubted myself still in areas, and I was intimidated by so many of the artist that seemed to be doing so much better than I was in the industry. Houston is a large city, and although there are many to serve, there is an over-saturation of artist. I paid a lot of dues and worked for free on several occasions to help with non-profit organizations, local fashion shows, or just to donate services to young ladies for prom. I was honored to gift my services to cancer survivors for charity events and to remind them of their natural beauty even after battling the disease. I am in love with what I do, and I get joy out of assisting my clients with not only looking but feeling their absolute best during and after our beauty session. I am where I am today because of the individuals that sit in my chair, their repeated patronage, and countless referrals.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The road was rather bumpy at times! I can remember emailing and reaching out to the artist in the city that I admired to ask questions and not ever getting a response from them. I remember being passed on by potential clients because of the popularity of another artist. I struggled early on in my career with finding my niche and knowing exactly what I wanted my brand to be. I had to take the time to really figure out who my target market was, and how I was going to go after the clients that I wanted. After I did the necessary studying for my brand, I started to see my business flourish a little more. I researched and learned about the business part of the makeup industry and products on my own before makeup classes became popular. If I can be transparent, I oftentimes have to make adjustments to continue to offer the best services that I can to my existing clients and my future ones.
If makeup artistry is your passion, go all in! Do not let anyone tell you that you cannot be successful because there are so many others that are pursuing the same dream. Invest in yourself with classes, seminars, and professional tools. Identify what kind of clientele you want to serve and market yourself. Do not get discouraged when people that you feel should support your business does not. You will meet a multitude of others that will pour into you and your business. In the near future, I want to invest in a business coach. I highly recommend finding a mentor. I have someone in mind that I want to mentor me that is so inspiring. Lastly, do not get intimidated by social media likes! We all have to start somewhere, and getting to hundreds and thousands of likes takes time. I still don’t have many likes, but I’m lucky that my clientele is majorly word of mouth. Whatever you do, DO NOT GIVE UP! I’m so happy that I didn’t.
Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am so passionate about what I do, that sometimes I dream about my clients the night before. I am the Houston makeup artist that does not have a major online following, but I have a very loyal clientele. I specialize in the skin like makeup applications. I have mastered how to not have my client feel as if they are wearing makeup at all, but still achieve a full coverage look. My Aunt Tina says that she can always spot my work because of how natural my eyebrow applications are. I perfect the brows without overfilling them. I listen to my clients and try my best to achieve the look that they want!
I am most proud of my growth as an artist, and being blessed to have such loyal clients. The trust and support from them along with encouragement is what keeps me humbled. My confidence in my artistry has grown quite a bit since starting off as a 19-year old getting it all wrong, but I am ever-growing as an artist and ALWAYS open to learning more!
What sets me apart from others is my transparency and being me! I HAVE NOT ARRIVED YET, and I don’t have it all figured out, BUT, with what God has given me, I make it work! Lol, I don’t pretend that I am major because I have been able to work with a few celebrities. My real celebrities are my clients that book me again and again. I am always available to assist another artist and answer any questions that a new artist may have. I know what it’s like to just need a few questions answered to know that you are on the right track. I love to gift my services! There is no greater feeling than serving and helping someone happy.
And let me make this known, I’M NOT JUST A MAKEUP ARTIST! My most important job is being a Mom to my four beautiful children! My husband and I have a t-shirt design and print company, we are also independent film producers, and our most recent venture is becoming podcast producers for our very own podcast, “I Choose You”! (Podcast available on iTunes, Google Play, and Stitcher) With all of that going on, I also work for very prestigious funeral homes as the makeup artist that prepares the deceased loved ones of families to look their absolute best for the last time that they will be seen. I am grateful and humbled daily to appreciate life and the people that we are blessed to experience.
“Your Face is my Canvas. You are already Beautiful, I just add some color.” is my slogan.
Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
Yes! When looking for a mentor, be sure that he or she is inspiring or that their business model is similar or the same as the direction you want to go. Also, be sure that when you reach out to the person of interest, that they want to mentor you. I have a few artists that I have hired to work with me for a large wedding party that is new to the industry. If they need me for anything, they know for sure that I will do everything that I can to assist them. I’m available for them and to them, and I want to be. As I stated previously, I will be reaching out to someone in Houston and Atlanta for possible mentoring for myself very soon. Being kind and professional will always take you far! I recently met a wonderful and talented artist and she hired me on the spot for events that she needed help with.
When networking, make sure that you have your business cards ready and your face perfect! Attending networking events is an easy way to meet like-minded people and potential clients. I have attended events that landed me jobs working on set for a few major networks. Remember to always be professional, and believe in YOU!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.eyecantransformyou.com UNDER CONSTRUCTION
- Phone: 832-207-5619
- Email: makeupbykimmy@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eyecantransformyou/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eyecantransformyou/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/ichooseyoupodcast
Image Credit:
Marcus Jones Photography, Point And Click Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
