Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Jamal.
Hi Stephanie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
Born in Lebanon and raised in the United States. I come from a very hardworking family. I learned how to do makeup on my 3 sisters. I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit; I even used to charge girls for prom makeup back in high school. Over a decade as a professional makeup artist, fully certified by MAC Cosmetics, and a licensed esthetician. I credit my diverse clientele for all of my success. I take so much pride in knowing I have a very multicultural clientele. My work has been featured in national publications such as Glamour, People, and Cosmopolitan to name a few. I am credited as the makeup artist for Season 1 of the Netflix show Selling Tampa.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I can’t say it’s been the smoothest ride. Working for yourself comes with so many challenges and hard lessons. The biggest thing I had to learn was balance. This past year I experienced the worst burnout of my career. I was working 24/7, driving hundreds of miles a day, and hardly having time to eat or sleep. The best advice I can give any artist/entrepreneur is listen to your body when it’s telling you to slow down. I know how hard it is to give yourself a break when all you want to do is hustle and prove yourself, but if you don’t take that time to rest you will inevitably hit a wall. These days I schedule myself rest periods after a good stretch of work. Forcing myself to unplug on designated days has improved how I work but more importantly how I feel. I am able to be a calm presence on set or at weddings thanks to those breaks.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have been a professional makeup artist for over a decade. I don’t have a specific niche. I work in bridal, commercial, television, print, and so many more areas of the beauty space. No two days at work look the same. I love to have a very eclectic portfolio. I have a beautifully diverse clientele from all walks of life. I take so much pride in how collaborative I am with all of my clients. I strive to make each appointment fun and stress-free.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
What people don’t know about me is I am as passionate about cooking as I am about makeup! I am constantly finding new recipes to try out. I mostly cook Lebanese recipes my mom passed down, mainly Mediterranean cuisine. My all-time favorite thing to do is host dinner parties and make all the food for my loved ones.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/makeupbystephj
Image Credits
Sarasota Photo Studio
Netflix
