Today we’d like to introduce you to Jade Martin.
Hi Jade, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
I am Jade Martin and I am both the boss and the employee of Nvious Faces, LLC. Though I’ve always had a passion for beauty, makeup is not where I started my career. I graduated from Tampa Bay Technical High School in 2012. Ideally, I graduated with my diploma and a certificate for training and experience in Accounting and Finance. So, I took my accolades to Tallahassee, FL where I attended the Sybil C. Mobley School of Business and Industry at Florida A&M University, where I majored in accounting. While attending FAMU, I did not join any organizations, however, I built my own network of individuals who would contribute to both my time in school and after.
I always applied to jobs I found interest in like Ulta, Sephora, MAC, and other beauty and cosmetic counters at the mall. But I was never able to secure a job. So, I worked at a small accounting firm before transferring to work for the State of Florida during my last two years of schooling. Outside of studying and trying to make ends meet, I always did my friends’ hair and makeup before events and on holidays and loved every minute of it. It’s something about enhancing someone’s beauty and inner confidence that’s so satisfying to me. I took my first paying client at the end of my senior year and it ignited my soul. But nonetheless, I graduated and began my career in audit and accounting at one of the Big 4 Consulting firms.
Growing up, being a business owner was never a goal or requirement from my family. They always preached, “You graduate high school, go to college and get a job.” School was something that always came easy to me. I was never really challenged. I wasn’t a ‘Straight A’ student because I didn’t do my homework – I felt like I didn’t need the extra practice considering I understood the material and made As on my exams and projects.
After graduating college and starting my career in Corporate America in 2017, I knew it was not for me. Between the office politics and not actually having a social life because I worked long hours, I needed out. Don’t get me wrong, the pay and benefits were A-1 and the work was really easy. I just felt like I couldn’t do what our parents did – wake up every day to a career I didn’t really enjoy just because it paid the bills.
Pandemic came in 2020 and I was able to have more time doing the things I enjoyed, like playing in makeup. I’d try different looks on myself, only to have to wash it off. As the world began to open back up, I was able to do my friends’ makeup again. I started my business, Nvious Faces. But didn’t really understand my full potential until Super Bowl came to Tampa in 2021. I met so many different people and made so much money, I impressed myself! At that moment, I felt like I needed to take my business to the next level.
I revamped my logo, got business cards, and created a booking site. I marketed my business more and took appointments when I was able to after work. I had a nice size clientele on the weekends and that motivated me to start my journey to full-time entrepreneurship. I ran a lot of specials and marketing campaigns to spark the interests of potential clientele in my area. It wasn’t until January 2022, I took the leap of faith, quit my job, and began taking clients full time.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Juggling 55+ hours work weeks with demanding clients as an auditor and clients from my makeup business is enough to say the least. But learning how to set myself apart when the market is so saturated has been my biggest challenge. There are so many great makeup artists in my area. I had to figure out how to build my own clientele. I developed a signature full natural glam look, as well as learned how to perform other services, like mink lash application and henna brows. I also offer a different special every month.
I also had to learn to not be so hard on myself. I’d be upset because I’d have slow weeks. But I had to understand that when business picks up, it picks up! I also had to learn to develop my own style of makeup. I would beat myself up about my makeup not looking like everyone else’s or wanting my makeup to look to certain way when I’m actually supposed to stand out in my niche.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am Nvious Faces. I specialize in natural glams and brow tinting. I also do mink lash extensions. I provide makeup services for events and special occasions, bridal parties, and editorial. I especially enjoy traveling to photoshoots and working on set. I started taking clients from home before moving into a salon in Temple Terrace, FL. Now I work alongside the renowned Tae Michelle. I’m more so of a self-taught makeup artist but I cannot discredit YouTube and celebrity makeup artist Mz. Jazz for the tips, tricks, and techniques.
My dream client would definitely be a celebrity or someone of high status, considering the frequency of their appointments, travel, and exposure. I have serviced celebrities in the past, but would definitely like to consistently work with them in the future.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
I have 3 P’s – Pray, Practice, Profit. Pray for what you want and ask God for guidance. Practice your craft every chance you get because you can only get better! And walk in alignment with what you’re praying for. Profit. Make the money and have fun doing it.
Make sure you stay consistent. Take your losses as wins because that’s how you learn and grow. Don’t be afraid of criticism – every client will not be satisfied. Make sure you give all your clients an “experience”. Set the tone and give them a reason to keep coming back, other than getting serviced.
Pricing:
- Full Natural Glams start at $75
- Brow Tint starts at $45
- Mink Lash Extensions start at $75
- Bridal packages are available upon request
Contact Info:
- Website: nvymebeauty.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/nviousfaces/
- Facebook: Facebook.com/nviousfaces/
Image Credits
@rek_havoc813
@captured_by_mallary
@yesishootmodels
@shotbyv.polite
@terrol_henderson
@chrisshotya
