Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Jenkins.
Hi Rachel, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Hello, my name is Rachel Jenkins. I am a vegan & cruelty free makeup artist. I was born & raised in Fresno, California. I was brought up in the film industry as a “commercial kid” with parents working in television. At the age of four, I was introduced to the world of FANGORIA & became enamored with the world of special effects makeup. At 12 years old, Greg Nicotero purchased me my first makeup DVD, which further inspired my passion & drive. At the age of 17, I began my career as a professional MUA becoming involved with local projects. At the age of 21, I graduated from Federico Beauty College with her Esthetician’s License. From there, I moved to Los Angeles, CA. Fulfilling my dream of becoming a professional I.A.T.S.E Local 706 Makeup Artist. With 16 + years of professional experience applying a wide variety of makeups to performers, I also aim to ignite body positive, self-love & beauty by administering quality skin care & education. I’m driven to continuously explore my passion by furthering my skills in skin care, ethical beauty, practical effects & all types of character & makeup applications.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I’ve learned a lot through my journey, but the biggest learning experience I maneuvered through would be spontaneously moving to LA & basically living out of my car/couch surfing for my first year in LA until I could properly afford my first apartment. I ended up spending many nights at Canter’s Deli since it’s open 24hrs, sipping coffee, sketching & making valuable friendships with the night crew. Some in which I am still friends with to this day 11yrs later.
We’d love to learn more about your work. What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
I would say what sets me apart from other artists is my passion for animal rights & liberation. I have been vegan for the animals since 2016 when I realized that cow’s don’t make milk because they are cows, but because they are mothers. I believe in a world where animals will one day be free to live their lives in peace. I bring this aspect to my craft by striving to exclusively use vegan & cruelty-free makeup. I also apply this to my whole life living by The Vegan Society’s definition:
“Veganism is a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude—as far as is possible and practicable—all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of animals, humans and the environment. In dietary terms it denotes the practice of dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals.”
I highly encourage those who are on the fence about the topic, to go to a vigil & then go to an animal sanctuary.
How do you think about happiness?
What brings me the greatest happiness is my home life. All of my loved ones are alive, I have a cozy home on a beautiful mountainside, an amazing partner of ten years (who is also an incredible vegan chef!) & our sweet little pup named Sage! All in all, I’m living my dream & I couldn’t be more grateful that it has all come true.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.racheljenkinsglamourandgore.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelj7790/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/rachelj_theveganmua/
Image Credits
Rachel Jenkins • Page Tudyk • Christina Gonzalez • Noah Grossman • Steven Smyka • Alia Zin • Gregory Goodrich/Shangrixla • Madi Artz • Skyler Shelly • Tyler Betancourt • Courtney Miller • Ian Hecox • Pamela Horton • Amanda Brian • Rachel Jenkins • Bobby Jenkins as Dapper Jack • Sharon Kille Jenkins • Natsuki Miva • Martha Sanchez
