Meet Jentry Kelley of Jentry Kelley Cosmetics

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jentry Kelley.

Jentry, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I had been a makeup artist for 11 years professionally, and 16 years since my first makeup class in modeling school, when I had the idea to start my own brand of makeup. I grew up as an artist, so makeup just seemed to come naturally for me. But I was pretty terrible my first 7 years of applying it to other people. Without extensive training on color matching foundation, techniques for different skin tones and ages, I jacked up many faces for years. Even my own face with white face photos for 10 years!

I began working at Neimans for Bobbi Brown in 2004 and had to pretty much erase all I had ever known about makeup to rebuild my techniques and improve my application. I gained invaluable knowledge while working there, and later how to manage a team when I moved over to Laura Mercier. After 2-3 I decided to go off on my own, and put all my effort into creating something with what I had learned over the years. I perfected it and made it better, while educating my clients. This part was so critical in being successful at this. When my clients REALLY learned, their friends began to notice… and friends want to share their beauty secrets with other friends! I never wanted to simply apply and sent customers away for their event. I wanted them to hold a mirror, watch and learn, so they could leave their home every day and feel equally as beautiful as when an artist did it in store. From detailed makeup lessons to customized homework sheets, to YouTube videos you can watch at home as you apply, every person leaves not just with a beautiful face, but also knowledge on application. A simple, clean, do it yourself kind of look. NO Kim K/Instagram type looks over here. Just a polished version of you.

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?
My boyfriend is an entrepreneur. I had watched him grow his businesses for 9 years now. He never, ever gives up. I look to him for advice when I am:

A. Hormonal
B. Acting like a girl and over reacting
C. Getting stuck on something that is making me feel overwhelmed
D. In a situation that arises where I am not quite sure how to handle it

He always says the same thing to me. “Ok this is a problem that is fixable. Let’s find a solution and move past it. The ones who are successful, come to a road block, and find a way around it. Those who give up when things seem impossible are the ones who will never make it. YOU are better than that, and smarter than that, and you will get through this.” Sometimes we need to hear that. Every single day I come across some sort of obstacle. I think it is hard for many women, because we are so emotional, to stop and take a deep breath and strategize. Being prepared for the worst case scenario makes it easier to cope when something goes wrong. At the end of the day, you have to just realize that most things are fixable and require patience.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
I own a full line of makeup/brushes and organic/plant based skincare. We have 14 stores that carry our line of cosmetics, in 3 states. We are known for our “Cute in Carpool” makeover routine for moms, or any woman on the go. The CIC is 8 steps that take 3-5 minutes to apply. Simple and easy for the not so advanced makeup applier. We are also known for educating clients and being very thorough.

I’m most proud that this month we will hit $4million in total sales since starting the company. I was just a poor little country gal from suburbia who had a dream and a credit card with a $35k limit. I didn’t use an investor and I did it all on my own. My clients supported me, told their friends, and it is simply the most insane feeling to pull up to my building, see my name on it, and look up to see a 30ft billboard with my face on it. How did I get here? It all happened to quick!

What were you like growing up?
Oh, this is funny. I was a MEGA tom-boy! I wore knee length shorts, never took a bath, I had zero girlfriends, and caught frogs and fished in a ditch. HATED all things girly. Which takes us to modeling school. My mom made me go, more for etiquette reasons, and I loved the makeup portion. For the first time, that insecure 14 year old girl felt pretty. I could cover up my insecurities, and my rosacea, and feel like a crisp $100 bill! Then I wanted to show my friends what I had learned. So I started doing all of their makeup.

I was shy and insecure when I was in middle school, unless I felt really comfortable around someone, then I was crazy/wild. In college, I remember wanting to poop my pants when I was told I needed Public Speaking as one of my basics. In a classroom of 30 I thought FOR SURE everyone could see my heart beating out of my chest as my teacher tallied all of my UMMS and LIKES. 6 years of doing what I am doing now, and I have gained so much confidence speaking to groups. Actually my group makeup lessons are now like a comedy show, mostly to keep them entertained so I can empty their wallets at the end. Last year I spoke at a women’s conference in front of 600 people for 1 hours. Of all the things I have done in my life, that was the hardest, but most rewarding. The girl who couldn’t speak to more than 4 people at a time, was able to captivate an audience, making them laugh, for a whole hour! Afterwards, we had a line at our makeup booth a football field long, of women wanting to buy my cute in carpool look. I’ve never felt more proud of myself for getting through that, and being successful.

Pricing:

• $150 for a makeup lesson
• $15-40 price point for makeup items
• $30-55 organic skincare prices

Contact Info:

• Address: 1907 Southwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77098
• Website: www.jentrykelley.com
• Phone: 832-831-3456
• Email: info@jentrykelley.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jentrykelleycosmetics/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JentryKelleyCosmetics/

Image Credit:
The 8 step photo is of: CUTE IN CARPOOL
Product Shots – Bianca Williams

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