Rising Stars: Meet Jenni Shaw

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenni Shaw.

Jenni, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I wasn’t allowed to wear makeup when I was 11 so used babysitting money to buy and experiment with it. When I turned 12, my mom noticed my accentuated features after picking me up from a movie. She decided I could wear makeup if I had proper instruction and enrolled me in my first course. GAME and CHANGER. I was always an artist so once armed with the ability to skillfully use my creativity on faces I was hooked.

My friends became my little masterpieces and slumber parties morphed into backstage at fashion week. By the time I was a teenager people were passing my name around, paying me to do their events and weddings. I went to college and grad school to study Anthropology, French, and Multicultural Education. After obtaining those degrees I could see what my true loves were: people and art. I moved to New York City and attended the Make-Up Designory to round off my education (with the diploma that would serve me most!).

I’m now entering my 16th year in bicoastal production: film, tv, fashion, celebrity, advertising, red carpet, and runway between PHX, NYC, and LA. In 2018 I founded a boutique agency in New York (Shaw + Co.) and manage the 7 artists on my team remotely when I’m not on set back east.

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?
Barely anything is a smooth road in New York and since I built my career there, I have to be honest about the struggles. I learned quickly that pretty much NO ONE there wants to help the newbie and basically EVERYONE is intelligent, talented, and willing to work harder than the next person. It was fertile ground for planting seeds and learning. I knew I needed to build my business brick by brick with solid integrity or it would implode.

Some great advice given to me early on was “no one will remember all the things you did right but they’ll never forget the one thing you did wrong.” New York taught me the value of razor-sharp focus and true diligence. Gaining credibility and making a name for myself was a slow build but once I garnered respect and trust it AMPLIFIED. I’ll never lose the gratitude I feel for everything New York has given and taught me.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a freelance makeup artist (and also manage the 7 artists on my team in New York City remotely.) The sides of my brain are mutually dominant so I’m equal parts creativity and business. I’m known for the art of illusion and love using makeup to transform people without the artistry being obvious.

Interestingly, I’m also known for creating total metamorphosis! I’m about to launch my new business, Zen Beauty, and this exciting venture allows me to create on another level. We have wine (or tea) while I convert them into literal artwork! I take photos and give them framed prints of themselves as masterpieces. It is SO FUN!!

I think what sets me apart from others is my energy. My art and career are spiritual in nature regardless of what the job is. I can be working for Coke or GQ and the experience will inevitably lend itself to some form of sacred connection. I bond with every person I work with. It’s very intimate (we’re in each other’s personal space immediately), and I have tremendous reverence for the process, especially because people are forced to give me their trust within seconds of meeting me.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I’m on instagram as @jennishawmakeup and can be contacted through my site: www.jennishaw.com. As mentioned, Zen Beauty will be launching soon and that account is @zenbeautysedona!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jennishaw.com
• Instagram: @jennishawmakeup and @zenbeautysedona

Image Credits
Diane Zhao, Rodolfo Martinez, Cait Kelly, Blessing Marie, and Jenni Shaw