Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamie Vance.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Jamie. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
When people ask me this question, I always feel that I didn’t find makeup artistry, but makeup artistry found me. I wasn’t sure if this was going to be a career for me or just a hobby, but I am 100% certain this is the career for me and that I am walking in my purpose. I have always had a passion for makeup. As a child, I would play in makeup and dress myself and my dolls up. In college, I would ask to do my friend’s makeup before we would go out or just play around in our downtime. I didn’t realize how life-changing it would become until after I graduated college and began working my 9-5. I would get home from work and ask myself, “Is this it”? I decided something was missing so, I began to work with another Dallas makeup artist to learn the business and to build on my skills as an artist. I didn’t start to call myself a “professional” until 2010. Having women come to me feeling one way and leaving another has blessed me beyond measure. I have met so many encouraging and supporting women along the way and I know if I wasn’t a makeup artist with such awesome clients, I wouldn’t have made it through some of the hard moments in my life. I think I have always had a natural skill for makeup artistry, but the art of the conversation and relationships shared throughout this journey have been what makes this such an incredible industry to be in.
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?
I wouldn’t say smooth, but strategic. I really didn’t make moves until I thought them all the way through. Becoming a Makeup Artist can be a huge investment. Classes, your makeup kit, marketing yourself, etc. I tried to work smarter and not harder in the beginning because I wasn’t sure how far I was going to take it. Instead of buying every foundation in every color, I would go to the department stores to get samples of foundations so that I wasn’t buying things I wasn’t sure if I would need or like using. I would not focus on the “newest and trendiest” products on the market, but the most used and trusted products. I assisted as many artists I could. This is a great way to learn without necessarily paying the steep prices for classes. I teamed up with a friend who was just starting out in the photography business and we acted as a tag team to build each others portfolios. I also used my friends and family as much as possible to not only practice but to build more on my portfolio. I also tried to set myself apart from other artists. Defining my style was probably one of the hardest things and I am still working on this aspect.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Makeup By Jamie Dionne story. Tell us more about the business.
I am a makeup artist. I am most known for my version of “enhanced”. Clients leave me not feeling like they look like a different person with loads of makeup on. I love natural, sultry and classic glam. I can do the trendy looks that you may come across on Instagram, but I want my clients to look like they are headed to a red carpet event. I set out to bring out the best in them. I think my spirit and my personality set me apart because I tend to bond with my clients. I support them, I build them up and I listen to them. After an appointment with me, they not only feel more beautiful on the outside but on the inside.
Who do you look up to? How have they inspired you?
My Mother has been the biggest inspiration in my life. She has always supported and pushed me to do whatever it is in my heart to do. My very small circle of girlfriends have also inspired me. I don’t have any sisters but have been blessed with a sister circle of women who are family to me.
Contact Info:
- Address: Bashia’s Beauty Lounge
430 E. Lamar Arlington, TX 76011 - Website: www.JamieDionne.com
- Phone: 214-926-1680
- Email: jamiedionne1@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamiedionne/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MakeupByJamieDionne/
Image Credit:
Alex Hudson Photography, Kauwuane Burton Photography, Jessy J Photo
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