Today we’d like to introduce you to Johanna Peralta.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Johanna. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My MUA name is Miss Joey. I came from a little urban neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York. I’ve been doing makeup for about 6 years. My first 3 years, I was with Sephora and I was freelancing and traveling as well. I wanted to be an all-around beauty expert and being part of such a huge company really inspired me. I learned so much being there and I as well wanted to teach and inspire other beauticians and women out there. Last year, I decided to move to Texas to work on my relationship. I was confident that my career as well would do well out here and it did. Here, I learned to network a lot more and I had a lot more time on my hands to work on my dream. Aside from just doing makeup, my love for wigs also grew a lot more. I always loved switching up my style and as a beauty expert.
I believe you must always be innovative and creative in your own way. It’s exactly what will make you stand out in the beauty industry. I had YouTube for years but was never really consistent. But that all changed last September, when I decided to record a YouTube review on a wig I fell in love with so much. Not even knowing that one video would open opportunities for me. My following started growing and I started getting contacted by companies to collaborate with. It may seem small to some people but to me this was HUGE. This year, I wanted to continue to grow on YouTube, grow as a brand as well doing makeup out here in Texas and other states as well, and my next project is creating my natural hair journey which so many of my followers have been so intrigued about. All these doors that have opened up for me, I’m extremely grateful for and this name and brand I’m creating will be groundbreaking out here in Texas and hopefully nationwide. All it takes is a plan, patience and hard work.
Has it been a smooth road?
My journey hasn’t been easy at all. At times, I’ve faced rejection in the beauty industry. Other times, I’ve felt discouraged. Even went as far as quitting my job at Sephora. However, I never lost faith. My biggest obstacle was when I moved to Texas. I didn’t really know anyone besides my Partner, Jamaar but I just really had this confidence that I’ll be good. With his help, as well I got up and started networking which is really important. I would as promote myself NONSTOP on social media which brought in clients and opportunities. I remember before I started my career, someone who was already in the industry tried to tell me I shouldn’t do it because it’s very competitive. My first advice is don’t ever let someone discourage you from following your dreams. That is the root of all problems. You must always believe that you can do it and know that it won’t happen overnight. Dreams don’t work unless you do. The second thing I would advice is to do research and invest and network. Nothing comes from and being prepared is very important. Every little money I made while working 2-3 jobs back in New York, I invested in my career and I still do. Every penny I had for it went to branding and having the efficient things I needed for my makeup gigs or my YouTube videos. Networking is very important as well, probably the MOST important part of your career. You won’t make it if you don’t get out there and meet people. The final thing I would say is practice makes Perfect.
As I said, networking is important. If you’re doing makeup, your first gigs might not be paid (like photo shoots and things kinds of things) but don’t feel discouraged because it’s an opportunity to practice and to network as well. I started practicing on girls at school when I use to go to beauty school and on my little sister who was about 12 at the time. I really wanted to make it. I would stay up late at night practicing and watching YouTube. It took years to perfect my craft but you have to understand that even the best of the best out there is still growing as well. The beauty community is always changing and growing. Keep that mentality, never give up, and you’ll make it!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into your business story. Tell us more about the business.
I’m a makeup artist above everything. But I’m also an expert in other things in the beauty industry. Most people know me for the girl who easily switches up her style but my goal is bigger than just that. I pride myself in making other women feel beautiful about themselves. I aim to make every one of my clients feel beautiful when they sit in my chair. I’m most proud of my growth. Seeing myself grow over the years and not giving up is such a huge accomplishment for me. What sets me apart from others is my positive attitude and humbleness. A lot of people in the industry forget about where they started and that the person sitting in their chair yearns to learn just as much as they did when they first started. I don’t only create beauty but I also teach to those women who really want to learn as much I strive to learn.
What do you feel are the biggest barriers today to female leadership, in your industry or generally?
My biggest barrier today would just be staying motivated. Sometimes, you might face times when you need a break or just don’t feel inspired. But honestly, it’s something you have to put aside. Like I said before, the beauty industry is grown and change and it’s doing it get very fast. Once you stop, you’re out the loop. I strive to keep myself productive every day. Doesn’t matter if I don’t have a client or video for YouTube to record for that day. Every day, I’m either promoting, practicing my artistry or finding ways to expand my name.
Contact Info:
- Email: johanna.peralta16@gmail.com
- Instagram: @peraltaknowsbest
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCB6hyRK0Wv2Kj3uxDGwVP-Q
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
