Ep. 31 | Why Emmy-Nominated Makeup Artist Jessica Smalls Believes in the Power of Manifestation
jessica"HOARDING INFORMATION GETS YOU NOWHERE. THE MORE I GIVE, THE MORE I RECEIVE."
Jessica Smalls is a powerhouse makeup artist and esthetician whose compassionate artistry and dedication have redefined beauty for some of the world’s most iconic faces. You’ll hear us talk about balancing a demanding career with motherhood, the importance of genuine connections in this industry and why generosity and authenticity are the true secrets to long-lasting success.
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In this episode, we take another step into the world of beauty and artistry with Jessica Smalls, a New York-based Emmy-nominated makeup artist, esthetician, and groomer. Jessica’s journey began in Harlem and took a profound turn when she was diagnosed with a rare skin cancer at 18. This life-changing moment led her to the beauty industry, where she found a powerful outlet for self-expression and empowerment.
We explore Jessica’s rise from an aspiring MAC makeup artist to a trusted celebrity makeup artist with an impressive client list including Janelle Monae, Mary J. Blige, Daniel Kaluuya, and many others. She shares insights on self-care, embracing change, the power of manifestation, valuing your worth, staying open to feedback, and why feeling nervous can actually be a positive sign
Join us as Jessica reveals how transforming adversity, mentorship, and belief in oneself can shape a meaningful and impactful career.
Show Topics:
Jessica’s journey from Harlem to Emmy-nominated artist
Overcoming health challenges through beauty
The power of manifestation and self-care
Building lasting relationships in the celebrity world
Embracing feedback and personal growth
The role of mentorship in career transformation
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Intro
02:30 Jessica Smalls' Journey and Achievements
04:23 The Challenges and Rewards of Being a Celebrity Makeup Artist
05:22 Being a Mom and Balancing the Demands of the Job
06:52 The Importance of Self-Care and Rest
08:11 Building a Successful Career in Makeup Artistry
14:25 Transitioning from MAC to Celebrity Makeup
23:43 The Role of Faith and Serendipity in Jessica's Career
33:21 Building Long-Term Client Relationships
34:06 Creating a Client's Style and Aesthetic
34:59 The Power of Music in Setting the Vibe
36:43 Navigating Social Media as a Professional
40:25 Authenticity in Brand Partnerships
47:44 The Importance of a Strong Support Team
48:42 The Role of Social Media in Personal Branding
51:19 Having a Sustainable Life and Going To Vacations
57:17 The Value of a Great Assistant
01:04:00 The Struggles of Assistants in the Industry
01:05:08 The Financial Realities of Makeup Artistry
01:06:34 The Importance of Teamwork on the Red Carpet
01:09:25 Navigating Editorial and Beauty Brand Deals
01:10:41 Balancing Personal Life and Career
01:12:39 Investing in Your Future
01:14:36 The Hustle and Drive Behind Success
01:22:48 Building Trust and Networking in the Industry
01:34:19 The Role of Mentorship and Collaboration
ABOUT JESSICA SMALLS
Jessica Smalls is a New York-based Emmy-nominated makeup artist, licensed esthetician, and groomer. Born and raised in Harlem, Jessica’s rare skin cancer diagnosis at 18 led her to discover the beauty world as a source of healing, artistic passion, and empowerment beyond societal standards for Black women.
Her celebrity clientele includes Janelle Monae, Mary J. Blige, Daniel Kaluuya, Lashana Lynch, Tessa Thompson, and many more. Jessica’s work has appeared in Vanity Fair, Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, and Essence, collaborating with renowned photographers like Annie Leibovitz and Inez and Vinoodh. She has partnered with major brands such as CoverGirl, The Gap, Tiffany & Co., Lancôme, Kiehl’s, Pepsi, and Converse, making her a respected figure in the beauty industry.
Follow Jessica on all social media platforms
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