Today we’d like to introduce you to Joraina Leite.
Joraina, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I am from Brockton, MA and I am currently a Marketing Assistant at WeCare 365 AFC and a full-time freelance MUA. Growing up, I was always crafty and into the arts. You would always find me doodling or painting on every piece of paper I could get my hands on. In 2008, I started getting really into watching makeup tutorials on YouTube, so I could learn how to do makeup on myself, but never ever did it cross my mind that I wanted to be a Makeup Artist. Back into 2014, my cousin, Gwendoline had come to spend the summer with us from Paris.
On one rainy summer day, we decided to play in some makeup and take pictures. At this point in my life, I had always been venturing a bit more into makeup, but never did the idea of doing someone else’s makeup cross my mind. We picked a makeup look on pinterest and I decided to recreate it. Once Gwen’s makeover was done, she was finally able to take a look at what took me over an hour to complete. She was completely overjoyed and excited by her look and insisted that I show the world my talent. But in 2014, makeup was just becoming more mainstream and popular on the internet and only about 2 other girls were freelancing in my area. So, I instantly shut down the idea of not wanting to step on anyone toes, but Gwen refused. She convinced me to make a beauty page on instagram and I haven’t looked back since.
Has it been a smooth road?
It was definitely not a smooth ride in. From the beginning, I was hesitant to become a MUA due to the fact that there weren’t too many girls doing it and I did not want it to seem like I was stepping on anyone’s toes. But I just said “Oh well. What do I have to lose? They’re either going to love my work or they’re not. Either way, I’ll be ok”.
What I didn’t see coming were the obstacles that come with being a new MUA. My biggest struggle was gaining respect from clients and setting boundaries. A lot of people assume that since you are a new small business, that they can do whatever they please. I had clients coming wherever they felt like it and not at their appointment times and no call no shows often. I hated anything confrontation of any kind and would kind of just let my clients do as they please since you know, “The customer is always right.” But when it comes to your time and craft, you have to realize that it something very special to you, and only you can control it. I had to put my foot down once and for all and just own my brand. The clients who are loyal will stay, those who don’t can’t stop me from achieving my dream.
My advice would be to stay true to yourself and your brand. Do not let anyone change YOUR vision. You will lose friends, clients, and money along the way, but it’s never the end. Everything you do is a lesson or blessing, just have to take it with a grain of salt and keep on pushing.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with MAKEUP BY RAINAA – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I specialize in all kinds of makeup. I can do anything from a natural “no makeup, makeup look” too a full-on bedazzled sugar skull. But what I love doing the most are weddings. Simply because I am a complete sucker for love lol. What’s a better way to spend your day: surrounded by you two favorite things, makeup & true love.
What makes me the proudest of MAKEUP BY RAINAA are my clients. They are truly all family to me. They continue to push me and motivate me to do better. My biggest fear was not having support from my city, but they are always showing me otherwise. And for that, I am forever grateful. They gave me the confidence I have today.
I am very organized, I’ve been doing makeup for over 4 years, I understand customer service. and I love to think outside of the box. I also provide a convenient way to view my work and book appointments. I am very reliable and punctual. I do makeup because it’s something I love doing. It never feels like “work” to me. I strive to provide all of my clients with the best experience.
Often it feels as if the media, by and large, is only focused on the obstacles faced by women, but we feel it’s important to also look for the opportunities. In your view, are there opportunities that you see that women are particularly well positioned for?
I feel that there are more opportunities now that more and more women are coming together and supporting one another. I give my clients the opportunity to be able to be confident in their own beauty skills without having to rely on a makeup artist for every event. I host makeup parties and show them how to work with that they already have.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://makeupbyrainaa.wixsite.com/website
- Phone: 774-223-0528
- Email: makeupbyrainaa@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MakeupByRainaa/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MakeupByRainaa/
Image Credit:
Daniel Legros – @daniel.e.photography1
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