Today we’d like to introduce you to Takeesha Joseph.
Takeesha, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I began my makeup journey back in 2012 my senior year of high school. I was going through many hardships at home and often masked how I truly felt for that whole year. I didn’t want anyone at school to know what was going on with me or my personal life. The only people who had an idea were the people closest to me at the time. I fell into this very deep depression and came home straight after school to watch nail art videos. Nail art was what I stumbled across while searching for different ways to do my nails for school. A few videos in, I see a recommended makeup tutorial from a beauty influencer named Tyme The Infamous. Her tutorials were always filled with bright neon like colors and also had a drag queen feel to it. I loved it and slowly transitioned from nail art to makeup.
Art was my favorite subject in high school, I even won awards for it and wanted to go to college for art, but of course I was talked out of that career quickly due to family opinions and criticism. So, I made my art in silence. I was so inspired by Tyme, that I decided to recreate a look of hers the year after during my freshman year of college. After making an attempt to recreate one of her looks, days later I was made into a meme and referenced to a clown by some people I went to school with. Yeah, I was hurt about it, because I didn’t understand why anyone would make fun of something I loved and enjoyed. It was clear I wasn’t going to get the support I wanted from my peers, and that happening only pushed me to move forward and go harder.
My sophomore year of college, I signed up for my very first fashion show and honestly, looking back on it, I didn’t know what the hell I was doing LOL unblended shadows, crooked eyeliner, I didn’t even use setting powder or spray at the time LIKE WHAT! But what an experience it was. Every year, after that I had devoted most of my free time into practicing and volunteered at universities, Runway Shows, and Vendor events to showcase my talent. Fast forwarding to today, I have gotten a chance to accomplish things with my makeup career I didn’t think would ever happen for me. Built beautiful friendships with local artists who share the same vision as me and those who continuously strive to put themselves out there.
My biggest take away from my 5-year journey is, If you truly want something, work at it every day. Even when you’re in a funk and feel uninspired, create anyway. Creating is what makes the world spin for me, its the feeling of making others feel their best and creating pleasant experiences for them overall. I knew to be a makeup artist was for me when my passion was to make my clients feel welcomed and important, whether it be their first time wearing makeup or their tenth, my #1 goal is to make you feel PHENOMENAL as you should every day.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely has not been a smooth road. Is it ever? If it were a smooth road I wouldn’t have been able to learn through my mistakes along the way. Some struggles I faced were doing way too many freebees, being afraid to raise prices after reaching a certain level of artistry, telling people no, etc.
My advice to young women or men starting their journey is to always put your best self forward, even on your bad days. Remember why you are starting and finish STRONG. You never know who you’re inspiring.
Please tell us about Taki Jayy Makeup Artistry.
I am skilled Runway Editorial Bridal Photoshoots/video shoots Film Boudoir, etc. I’m most proud of the reputation I’ve built for myself while working in this city.
What sets me apart from others is my bubbly personality. Everyone I’ve met who does what I do seems so serious all the time. Like yes, do your job but let’s also have some fun! Let’s make this not feel like a task and live a little. Creating a fun experience is important for me as an artist.
Do you think there are structural or other barriers impeding the emergence of more female leaders?
The biggest barrier to female leadership as a whole is those thinking there can only be one leader. Instead of always making something a competition, let’s support each other, challenge each other, and watch each other grow.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.takijayymua.com
- Phone: 857-249-8678
- Email: hello@takijayymua.info
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taki.jayy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TakiJayyMakeup/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/takijayy
- Other: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-vanitory/id1342264815?mt=2
Image Credit:
Dee&JayENT, Yohansy Garcia aka Yayis_Photo, Dreana LeMaitre Photography, Glamourup Cosmetics
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
