Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Ocampo.
Jessica, before we jump into specific questions about your work, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have forever longed for being a Makeup Artist, ever since elementary school. I still have the typical projects of “what do you want to be when you grow up.” my answer was a stylist/makeup artist. At age 17 I became a mother to a wonderful boy. After delivery I lost myself, my self-esteem was very low, I let myself go, physically and mentally. I knew what I wanted but I never had the courage to follow my dreams due to lack of self-esteem and afraid of failure. Threw the years, my downfalls and my victories molded me into my personality, I became brave and fearless and though it took me FOREVER to take the first step, I went for it! I literally said to myself “it’s now or never” while I was out on vacation I opened up my Facebook business page, I started off with models only, then moved my way into “makeup specials” and used all the practice I could get on my friends and family, I posted like crazy, maybe everyone got tired of seeing my posts! Lol but I was and have been my only business promoter, I have done all my marketing and it has all paid off. Consistency is the key! So I finally built my clientele, most have been all by referrals, which I am so grateful for!! I have made new friends and have grown beautiful relationships with my clients.
Most are regulars and it’s more than just a “makeup appointment to me” I give it my all with a passion for every detail I put in. To satisfy them, not only that but to hear them out, you’d be surprised how many of them open up to me, which I love. I feel like a makeup/therapist lol I love hearing them out and if their going threw hardships, once I’m done with the full glam it’s like BAM they feel beautiful, they feel great! And I feel accomplished!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I can’t say it’s been smooth, I’ve had sleepless nights or very little sleep at that. Weekends consist of a lot of standing, backaches come and go. It’s been physically rough and emotionally. I have been a one-woman show on this road. Preparing for long events, packing, answering calls, messages, promoting, keeping my page active…phew to much to list. Basically, I’m my own team. In the beginning, I wanted to give up because I compared my work to much-talented makeup artists and I felt as mine was not good enough. (This was in 2015) But I didn’t give up, I admired their work and watched their videos, scrolled threw their pictures to recreate looks, I practiced and practiced. I saw improvement and I kept going. Giving up was never an option for me. As I got more busy with work, I had to miss out on many events during the weekend, Birthday parties, outings, sleep and more sleep lol but I worked my butt off and love what I do with a passion and can’t give up on my clients, I always have seen it as “they depend on me”
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I offer full makeup glams and hairstyling. From a dinner night out to a full glam bridal look. I specialize in Quinceañeras the most, Their actually my favorite clients. I feel as young as them when they get all excited for their day. I enjoy seeing their excitement! And love that they choose vibrant looks. I respect everyone’s choice of makeup and love to give my advice if asked. I don’t like to pressure anyone to go for another look, I want to satisfy my clients and give them what they expect! I know many artists like to pressure them to what they believe looks best, but I like to give them what they believe is best for them. At the end of the day it’s the client who will go on with the day, looking in the mirror all day, taking selfies lol if my advice is asked, I love to put my input!
I can say I’m very proud of the number of clients I have reached as of today, to say my business has bloomed, maybe slowly, over the past four years, but I have worked my butt off to get to where I am now. I’ve seen so much improvement in my work. And that alone makes me so proud of myself! To also say I’ve done it all alone is a big accomplishment. Never giving up is another pat on the back for me. Because believe it or not it’s not easy when your doing it all on your own, and have to do everything a team would do by yourself!!
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I could start over I would have definitely done this a long time ago, possibly as early as 16! I would have started practicing on my friends, family, I would have started with my business a lot sooner. I believe if I would have had that jumpstart from an early age, I would have been a lot further down the road with my business. But I know I will get there even if it takes me another three years. To all my clients, especially the younger ones that have the same dream, I always advise them to start now, don’t wait for years to pass by.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @glam_me_up_by_jessica
- Facebook: Glam me up by Jessica
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