Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexia Jay.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have a visual arts background – attending Boston Arts Academy for Visual Arts and Fashion Design. My interest in creating art is what triggered me to pursue my career in makeup and hair art specifically. In 2014, I took a leap of faith and quit my office job realizing behind a desk was not for me. I signed up and completed Beauty School in a years time. My personal style in fashion and love for “switching it up” with my own hair and makeup had my network buzzing immediately when I started to take it seriously and post my progress in school and following. Majority of my work is bold and colorful which in turn lead me to work a lot in fashion and editorial work for designers and stylists. Like many artists, I started off by collaborating with other artists to gain experience and create freely.
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?
There were a few hurdles I had to get through especially being I quit my job to go to school, it was like starting from scratch especially being I started school at 26 (I am now 30). One thing I will say is don’t be afraid to ask for help that also understand the only motivation and support you can rely on is YOURSELF and your goals. Stay FOCUSED and be selfish… for a little bit… ha!
Beyond that, once I was settled in my career it was also important to always learn, remain a student, invest in classes and my career. There are so many avenues you can take in beauty – there is no limit. I had people questioning why I was completely uninterested in working in a salon but I stuck to what I wanted and now people just know me for what I do and that is creating ART with my skills in hair and makeup.
What should we know about Alexia Jay – Makeup and Hair Artist? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I specialize in Editorial Makeup and Hair Art/Styling – I feel like what sets me apart is my mind. I almost never “plan” what I am going to do. I am inspired by features, objects, mood, etc. I dont think people know what to expect from me (half the time I dont either) which is why fellow artists and brands that hire and work with me let me be free and trust my work.
Do you have any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general? What has worked well for you?
I honestly didn’t have a mentor but I did have friends in the industry that I am still able to talk to and they can lend an ear. Networking is easy, friend the right people online and/or research events happening in your city. Networking doesn’t strictly have to be networking events. Go to social gatherings such as museum events, fashion shows, brand parties and actual networking parties with business cards,
Contact Info:
- Email: alexiajayinfo@gmail.com
- Instagram: alexiajay__
Image Credit:
Daniel Irvin dirvinphoto@gmail.com, desarmesphotos@gmail.com
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