Meet Joscynthia Johnson Mason

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Joscynthia Johnson Mason. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Joscynthia, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

Being the only one in the room has often felt like a double-edged sword. At first, it was intimidating, knowing I didn’t look like, sound like, or have the same background as anyone else. But over time, I learned that those differences could be my strength, not my weakness.

As a Black woman in film and television—particularly in hair, makeup, and wardrobe—I’ve often been in spaces where I was the only one who looked like me. At first, I focused on blending in, trying not to stand out more than I already did. But then I realized I had a unique perspective that was not only valuable but necessary. I could bring something to the table that others couldn’t, simply because of who I am and the life experiences I’ve had.

I developed my confidence by mastering my craft. I knew that my skills in continuity, set etiquette, and hair and makeup processes were exceptional, so I made sure to let my work speak for itself. When I walked into rooms where I felt the weight of being “the only one,” I reminded myself that I was there because I had earned my seat, and no one could take that away from me.

Beyond technical skill, I learned the power of building relationships. I connected with people who didn’t look like me by finding common ground and showing genuine interest in their stories. Once I embraced who I was, I was able to approach those situations not as a challenge to overcome but as an opportunity to expand the conversation, offer new insights, and uplift others who might feel like they don’t belong.

My journey has taught me that being the only one in the room is not about fitting in but standing out with grace, resilience, and the full weight of my expertise. I show up fully, not despite my differences, but because of them. That’s how I’ve learned to thrive, even when the space wasn’t made for me—by claiming my spot and owning it unapologetically.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m Joscynthia Mason, an award-winning hairstylist, makeup artist, and educator with over 25 years of experience in the film and television industry. My passion lies in educating and empowering beauty professionals who want to transition into working on set in film and TV through my company, Setworkmasters. What’s most exciting about my work is being able to demystify the process of production for professionals who are already talented in their craft but may not understand the intricate processes of working on a set. I love showing people how to navigate the world of continuity, set etiquette, and understanding how production really works behind the scenes.

What makes Setworkmasters special is that we don’t just teach hair and makeup techniques; we train beauty professionals on the entire production process. From understanding key terminology to the importance of the vanities department, I’m equipping my students with everything they need to thrive in an industry that can be difficult to break into without the right guidance. My courses are designed to give hands-on, real-world training, and that’s what sets us apart from traditional beauty schools.

I’m excited about several upcoming projects, including my live and virtual Setworkmasters educational courses, where I continue to train professionals both one-on-one and in small group settings. We also have some fantastic events coming up, including our ‘Impact: The Power of Women in Film and Television’ event, where we’ll be bringing together incredible talent from the industry to discuss the importance of women in every aspect of film and TV production. It’s a space where we can mix, mingle, learn, and inspire each other to continue pushing boundaries.

Additionally, I’m focused on expanding Setworkmasters to offer even more mentorship opportunities and specialized courses, making sure that beauty professionals everywhere have access to the knowledge and resources they need to succeed. Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been in the game for a while, Setworkmasters is here to help you own your place in this industry !

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been perseverance, adaptability, and relationship-building.

Perseverance: Surviving breast cancer and battling physical, mental, and social challenges while trying to rebuild my life after losing my job during COVID taught me the true meaning of resilience. For anyone starting out, hold on to your vision, even when life gets tough. It’s perseverance that keeps you moving forward.

Adaptability: Life, just like the industry, is full of unexpected changes. From dealing with personal health struggles to navigating professional setbacks, adapting has been essential. Stay open to learning and growth—being flexible will help you find new opportunities.

Relationships: Real connections are key. Through everything I’ve faced, building genuine relationships has opened doors I never expected. My advice is to focus on supporting and uplifting others, and those relationships will come back to support you.

Persevere, adapt, and build meaningful connections—that’s how you overcome challenges and succeed..

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Yes, I’m always looking to collaborate with passionate, creative professionals, especially in the film, television, and beauty industries. I’d love to partner with individuals or organizations who share my vision for educating and empowering others. I’m particularly inspired by trailblazers like Mona Scott-Young, Tyler Perry, and Ava DuVernay, who have not only broken barriers but also created platforms for diverse voices and talents.

If you’re a producer, beauty professional, educator, or entrepreneur looking to collaborate on workshops, events, or projects that uplift and create opportunities, let’s connect! You can reach out via my website setworkmasters.com
Email or social media

Contact Info:

• Website: Setworkmasters@gmail.com
• Instagram: @Setworkmasters @joscynthiam
• Facebook: Setworkmasters

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