Today we’d like to introduce you to Jill Tilton.
Jill, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Approximately 5 years ago, I started my journey with makeup. Growing up, I was a very creative person & a lover of all things art, I knew after high school, I wanted to incorporate art in my day to day life, but was not sure how I’d be able to do so since I was going to school for Nursing. While in school, I got a job at a local Salon and Spa and was introduced to YouTube, Carli Bybel, and the entire beauty community. I was so intrigued, that I decided to stop school and focus on working full time.
I remember the day I was sitting in my room watching Nicole Guerriero’s recent “Favorites” video on YouTube and thinking to myself “Why can’t I do this?”. After thinking about it for a little while, I started to write down a list of things I would need to start my own beauty channel. Nervous and excited, I created my channel and decided to take out a personal loan so I could get all the equipment needed to start making videos.
After starting up my YouTube channel, I felt I was missing something. I was finding it very hard to build a following on YouTube without having another social media platform to promote my work, so I turned to Instagram. At this point, I started my Instagram beauty page which I decided to name @JillTilton23. The beauty community at the time was “Up and Coming” I started to see makeup in a whole new light while on Instagram. There was so much talent I felt like the underdog. As the days went on, and I became more knowledgeable I started noticing my page getting recognized more. This was the motivation I needed.
Fast forward 2 years, I decided to put my skills to use and apply to Mac Cosmetics. This was a huge step for me and I recall waiting a year to get a call back for an interview! The day I received the phone call that I got the job, I was over the moon with excitement! I have now been with the company for over 3+ years and I have learned so much from my fellow co-workers I have them to thank for where I am at now.
Still, to this day, I have my YouTube channel, and I am constantly still posting my new work on my Instagram page. I have had many amazing experiences from being on Instagram like working Makeup Conventions with companies, to getting recognized from amazing brands. The last 2 years, I have offered my services for Weddings, Proms, Special Occasions, and even Boudoir shoots. The last 5 years have truly been amazing and I believe I have found my passion in life. I couldn’t be happier and I look forward to what the next 5 years in the industry will bring me.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I’ve had my ups and downs along the way mainly because of my own insecurities.
One thing I have learned is to ALWAYS be yourself. I promise you, it will get you a lot further than trying to be someone you are not. When I was starting out on YouTube and Instagram it was hard to not compare myself to others. There is so much talent out in the world I found it difficult to stand out. I learned as time went on to accept who I am, and stop being so particular about my work. You must learn to love all of your flaws.
My advice to anyone in the industry or freshly starting out is to be yourself, I can’t express that enough. The beauty community is large, and there is enough room in it for everyone. Do not change who you are for others.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Makeup By Jill Tilton – what should we know?
I specialize in Weddings, Boudoir shoots, Prom makeup and Special Occasion makeup including some Halloween looks. I truly enjoy all the above and love each and every client I’ve met along the way,
As for my personal style of makeup, I love doing “Cut-Creases”, Smokey eye’s, “Halo” eye looks, & Graphic Liner. I preferably like to use more bright colors on myself since my clients prefer more wearable makeup.
I believe my photos and personality set me apart from others. I do not edit or filter any of my photos so people can see what makeup really looks like on the skin. I also find my personality sets me apart because I truly enjoy building a relationship with my clients, and thoroughly enjoy getting to know them and figuring out they want and needs.
Which women have inspired you in your life?
I’ve been inspired by the strong women in my family. Seeing them succeed in life only made me more motivated to succeed in mine. I not only have them to thank but my wonderful friends and colleagues along the way!
Contact Info:
- Phone: 603-361-6692
- Email: jtilt1xo@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jilltilton23/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/makeupbyjillt/
Image Credit:
Wild Soul Studio (Boudoir photo), Amanda J Fisher Photography (Bridal photo)
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