Meet Hollywood Make Up Artist: Bri Jackson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bri Jackson.

Bri, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I grew up in a family where you could count on the women to be fashionable and this drove my passion. From the age of 5 or 6, I would play in my mother’s make-up, clothes and shoes. I would take any opportunity with my sister, cousins, and friends to throw a fashion show at gatherings! As I grew older my passion persisted. I began to provide make up for friends during high school such as homecoming and prom. However, once I graduated from high school the realities of life set in and I realized I needed an income right away and I wouldn’t be able to devote the time I needed to towards my dream. By the time I was 21, I had relocated to Frederick, Maryland and purely by chance found myself briefly working for Clinique at the Bon-Ton department store. This reignited my dreams of being a makeup artist. I found myself loving every day! Although, within about 4- months I relocated back to California. Life again had delayed my dream. I put my passion aside once again and took what I felt was a safe route. I decided to return to school where I earned a Medical Assistant degree. This felt like a safe option but it was not fulfilling. I continued to freelance off and on throughout the years. By 2014, I had my mind set that I would do whatever it took to facilitate my dreams even if that meant working 45-55 hours a week at my day job and freelancing in the evenings and weekends. Once, I took that chance on myself doors slowly began to open in what is an extremely competitive business. I created a Model Mayhem page and began accepting TFP make up bookings to build my portfolio. I called upon friends and family to by models. I tapped every resource I had for every other aspect. I taught myself how to take headshots, how to edit and even how to build a website. I attended IMATS, Pasadena 2014 and listen to every guest speaker I could. I dove head first into better myself, learning new techniques and building a Social Media presence. Noticing YouTube growth was very stagnant for me I began to focus on Facebook and Instagram. My following began to grow on Instagram and I began to receive requests from models and photographers to work on projects with them. I knew then I had made the right choice and my sacrifices were beginning to pay off. At was at that point I knew not only could I have dreams but I could attain them.

Has it been a smooth road?
I’ve struggled with health issues since I was 17 years old. As a result, I didn’t have much confidence in what I could accomplish before possibly falling ill again. I talked myself out of following my dream by telling myself things like “once you get started, you will fall ill again for a month or two and you won’t be able to follow through”. This kind of negative thinking kept me from fully perusing life the way I should have, they way we all should have. I let illness take away my confidence and delay my passion. I’ve gone through periods of financial struggle. There were days I didn’t know what I would eat or if I would have a roof over my head the next day. If it weren’t for the support of my mother and siblings my story could be much different. Fighting back through adversity taught me I am stronger than I thought. Any struggle I go through is a lesson to be learned and an opportunity for personal growth. I’ve had social media bullies as many do, and I refuse to give them power over my talent or dream.

What’s the hardest part of your job?
One of the hardest parts of my job is finding a way to set yourself apart from the influx of social media makeup artist. Because of the times we live in, I find many people often reduce my job to being a social media makeup enthusiast rather than an artist with years of experience. I believe social media is a fantastic outlet and source to have your work seen or your voice heard, but it can create difficulty when attempting to separate yourself from the crowd.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Every small goal I set for myself that is accomplished I view as a small success and step towards my ultimate dream. My first goal I set for myself as an artist was to always be willing and open to learning! To never limit myself or put myself into a box. My second goal was to work for a Brand, which I accomplished by working for Clinique briefly. The third goal I set for myself was 2014, I was determined to have my art published and I was able to accomplish that by teaming up for a project with an up and coming photographer with a fantastic eye. In addition to those goals, I set 1, 5 and 10-year goals for myself. Within 5 years I would like to be fully independent and working to grow my business and bring on new artists to cultivate a winning team. I’d like to eventually be sponsored or have a product of mines produced by a brand as there are very few women who reflect my culture that are represented by large brands who are not massive social media artists. Ultimately I want to grow an agency that provides an unmatched level of beauty services to the industry. One of my greatest wishes is to serve as a Beauty Director for Fashions shows for a major fashion design house and to see me work or concepts on display during Fashion Week. Finally, I would love to meet Pat McGrath!

What are your plans for the future?
My future plans are to continue to grow and build personal brand recognition. I’d love to look at my calendar one day and see it full of bookings months in advance. That’s a success maker for me. I’d also like to begin a mentor program within the next ten years, to offer makeup classes to underprivileged inner city youths to give them something to do after school and on weekends. I want to show children both girls and boys who struggle or have difficulties in life that there is something to hope for. If they work hard they can accomplish their dreams and never to let anyone tell them what they are capable of!

Pricing:

• Prom/Homecoming $50.00 and up include basic lashes. $25.00 nonrefundable PayPal deposit req.
• Day rate (2-6 hrs) $250.00, $25.00 per hour after 6 hours includes basic lashes. $75.00 nonrefundable PayPal deposit req.
• Single service (2 hours max) $75.00 includes basic lashes. $25.00 nonrefundable PayPal deposit req.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ohbribrimua.us
• Email: ohbribrimua@gmail.com
• Instagram: OhBriBriMua
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ohbribrimua/
• Other: http://www.modelmayhem.com/3323115