Today we’d like to introduce you to Monique Jackson.
Monique, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Growing up, I was a cheerleader for ten years and would have to wear makeup for cheer competition. Ironically, I hated putting on makeup at this time so my cheer coach would make me wear it anyways. After graduating high school in 2009, I was sitting in my bedroom one day wondering what direction my life would go in from here.
I remember there being a sprite can on my dresser and me thinking to myself “I wonder if I could apply an eyeshadow look that is inspired by this sprite can?..” After doing the look, I posted pictures on my social media account and received so much unexpected positive feedback. This was the day I discovered that I had a natural talent to do makeup so I began doing YouTube videos. Although doing videos was fun, I didn’t feel fulfilled as if I were doing what I was purposed to do. It wasn’t until I began working at Sephora that I understood the impact I had on women and their self-esteem through this natural talent. Almost every one of my clients would tell me their whole life story and open up to me about things they’ve never talked about to anyone before. Through these encounters, I would listen to them and encourage them by letting them know the beauty I saw in them. I had a client buy me Christmas gift in which she let me know how much my encouragement has empowered her to embrace the natural beauty that she already has. When I realized how I was able to uplift women of all ages through my gift of enhancing their natural beauty, I began to build my brand as BeatbyMonique.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely been a tough journey. Throughout these ten years, I’ve been through many life changes that confused my understanding of on how I was supposed to use my gift as a makeup artist to do something purposeful in the world. I didn’t always know, it took a lot of trial and error. The trials started as I began going to school as a psychologist. I didn’t see how this desire to study psychology related to my gift of being a makeup artist. So I began working at Sephora and later MAC but really felt stuck in a place that was not growing me into my purpose. The final obstacle that leads me to my final destination as a makeup artist was in 2018 when I had my first child. Life changed and I felt as though I lost myself completely. I had to be a stay at home mom and wife, giving up on my dreams as a makeup artist. As a result of feeling lost, my marriage hit rock bottom and we divorced just 14 months after having our son. At the time, this was the most devastating situation I had ever experienced but it is the very experience that leads me into my purpose. I believe that once I was able to experience something so deep that would allow me not only to have sympathy but empathy for others as well, I was then able to see it from their perspective which opened my eyes to the full potential that is within me now as a makeup artist.
Please tell us about BeatbyMonique.
BeatbyMonique is all about enhancing the natural beauty of every client. The main focus of my business is to empower women to feel, look, and be their true self. Before starting a consultation with a client, I always try to understand them more by asking what their makeup preference is as far as products and looks. I also take the time to learn more about what features they like or dislike about themselves so that I am able to enhance those areas with beauty products to make them feel, look, and be the natural beauty that they are. Some of my specialties are skincare treatments and brow enhancements. Skincare is an important topic of discussion during consultations because I always want to encourage clients to correct the issues they are having with their skin to feel as “them” as possible instead of packing on makeup to hide whatever their concern is. Eyebrows are also essential during consultations because they frame the face and are an important accessory for any look whether it’s a full face of makeup or bare face. I am most known for these specialties and enhancing features of the face for a natural look. I am most proud of this because I don’t change who my clients are, I help them see themselves as their most beautiful self. In doing so, I help change lives for the better. This is what I believe sets me apart from other artist.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite childhood memory is every moment spent as a cheerleader in high school. I put so much passion into it and would cheer my heart out. I remember going to cheer camp and trying out for all-stars. I was so nervous but so ready because I knew I had a natural gift to cheer. Fortunately, I hit a perfect toe touch and front herky that landed me on all-stars. This was one of my greatest accomplishments as a youth. Till this day, I look back very proud of the young dedicated Monique that encouraged her high school sports teams with passion. Today I realize it was an experience that would set me up to encourage many women as an adult.
Contact Info:
- Website: beatbymonique.wixsite.com/beauty
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: BeatbyMonique
Image Credit:
Monique Jackson, Lawrencia Scott
Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Check out the VoyageLA Podcast:
