We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jordan Ryan a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jordan Ryan , so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
I like to gain inspiration from everything around me whether it be social media, art, and especially my beautiful clients I try to keep myself current with makeup trends as well as fashion. The beauty industry is growing and changing and I try to do the same. That’s not to say I don’t have blocks or times when less inspired, I think that’s just part of life. In these times I will shift my focus onto other things in my life and not force the creativity. I’ve found this generally works for me and I’m able to reignite my passion for makeup artistry after taking a breather. Taking it back to the basics and remembering my WHY helps me as well. I became a makeup artist to enhance beauty and make my clients feel like their best selves. So just because I’m having an uninspired day, I won’t throw in the towel or makeup wipe 😉 , my beautiful clients need me and I need them.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am a makeup artist in the Nashville area. I specialize in bridal, event, and print artistry that highlights natural beauty with natural soft to full glam makeup looks. I approach consultations very collaboratively to achieve the best result for my clients. My goal is always for you to leave my chair feeling like the best YOU!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Effective communication, time management , and flexibility are the three most important qualities I have learned along this journey. Earlier in my career, I worked for a beauty brand on the retail side of things and I always joke if you can work for this brand, you can work anywhere or do anything. During my time there, I really learned that time management is key. The ability to communicate with clients, effective listening, and being flexible are all necessary components of a successful makeup appointment. There are times when things don’t go as planned and I’ve learned to flex and go with it especially when it’s out of my control.
My advice to up and coming makeup artists, be open to learning, lose the ego, and don’t compare yourself to other artists. Comparison truly is the greatest thief of joy. If this is a career you’re serious about, push yourself. Although tough at times, it’s very rewarding.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
Recently, I’ve been trying a new approach and that’s just working on things a little bit at a time. Making it bite-size, focusing on the wins and not looking at everything so big picture. This has helped me, not just in my career but life in general.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jordanryanmua.glossgenius.com/
- Instagram: Instagram.com/Jordanryanmua
Image Credits
@kenz.ington_studio @letmetakeyourselfie @caitlin_deloach @wildphotographybysyd
