Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Later
Hi Jessica, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started to get into makeup after high school. I grew up loving art so the instinct was there. I started spending all my money on makeup and using all my free time experimenting on my own face. At the time, I didn’t really know what was available out there besides working at a counter in a department store, so I decided to go to cosmetology school. While there, we did a few photo shoots where I got to do hair and makeup on models, aka friends or family. I absolutely fell in love with the whole process and I knew this is what I wanted to do. I also had no idea how I was going to do it. Fortunately, due to a failed marriage, I picked up and moved to New York City. I was still unsure of how to get started. Luckily my roommate was working for an e-commerce company and they needed a HMU. I interviewed and started freelancing regularly. I met and started collaborating with different photographers and stylists to build experience and my portfolio. I fell in love with the whole process. I truly jumped into the deep end because I had no idea what I was doing when I started. After four years in New York City, I got a job working for Nordstrom in their main photo studio in Seattle. I was their first staff hair and makeup artist shooting daily. They were set to open a studio in LA and after a year in Seattle, they moved me there to start the studio in Culver City. After four years in LA shooting marketing, editorial and regular e-commerce work for Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack I got a job at Anthropologie headquarters in Philadelphia where I was the lead hairstylist for their photo shoots. A year later I came back to Utah and started freelancing regularly, mostly in LA. Covid hit and changed a lot of things. I got married, had a baby and started working locally in Utah. I have loved every step!
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?
Like any progress, there are ups and downs along the way. I feel like it can be hard to break into the market when people have been there a long time. It’s also really competitive. I’ve found the best way to get started is to assist artists who are established in the area. Then you can build trust in the industry.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a professional hair and makeup artist. I specialize in clean beauty makeup. Fresh glowing skin and easy undone hair. I built my career on creating these looks consistently while also being able to make quick and efficient look changes to keep shooting on schedule. While loving editorial and beauty work, the bulk of my career is set marketing, commercial and e-commerce. It has always been easy for me to collaborate and work well with others. The goal is always to create something of pride. I think what has set me apart is how adaptable I can be to the different work environments, conditions, time restraints and challenges that come along the way.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I’ve already seen huge changes in the industry since I got started. Social media platforms have skyrocketed knowledge and trends in the beauty industry. It is fun to see how quickly new things come and go. It definitely keeps you on your toes. I’m sure this will continue and we will see AI take a big step forward. I see 90’s/00’s makeup making a bigger comeback and also people embracing more of a natural, low-maintenance aesthetic. Focus on taking care of your body and skin will become an even bigger focus.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @jessl8rface
