Today we’d like to introduce you to Dorka Jones.
Hi Dorka, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Dorka Jones. I was born and raised in Puerto Rico and moved to Florida when I was around 8 years old. I’m a professional hair and makeup artist and I can truly say it is my dream job! From an early age, my love for all things beauty was evident! I enjoyed picking out cute clothes, braiding hair, adding accessories, and wearing lots of lipgloss (playing sports didn’t keep me from applying it on and off the field). The first time I picked up a makeup brush, I’ll never forget it… I was about 4 years old & my aunt had just left to work.
After watching how she applied it that morning, I snuck back into her room, dug through her makeup bag & attempted to apply it the same way.. (basically destroyed it all) also, accidentally shaved off half of my eyebrows LOL Needless to say she began to lock her bedroom from then on because she knew it wasn’t going to be the last time!
All throughout high school, those interests hadn’t changed, only got stronger. I used to practice hair + makeup on my friends and eventually decided to head straight into Cosmetology school once I would graduate high school. After becoming a licensed Cosmetologist, I fell in love with the way makeup made me feel. It brought out confidence, creativity, and a love for art, symmetry & color.
At the time, I was shopping at Sephora so much that they offered me a job! An easy yes for his makeup lover. Working at a makeup store, was monumental in kick-starting my career. I learned all about different brands, products, skin types, and techniques and learned to ask the right questions when having a consultation. It was definitely the perfect foundation & segway into the beauty industry.
A few years into working at Sephora, climbing up the ladder & holding multiple management positions, I was offered an opportunity to join a freelance team in town. They specialized in weddings and production, which taught me so much about the industry outside of just a retail store perspective & encouraged me to build a professional kit. To say the first year as a freelancer stretched me beyond belief would be an understatement.
There was so much to learn! But I worked my butt off, networked & continued to build my clientele until I was able to do this full time. Since then I’ve been mentored & have been mentored as well. I have been published internationally, my work has appeared on multiple tv channels, high-end magazines, and even Time Square!
I have gained some celebrity clientele & have flown around the world to do what I love most. Truly a DREAM job! I feel so blessed & most importantly I have met some of the most incredible people through this industry.
I look forward to building up other hair & makeup artist who are looking to build their career in the beauty industry! Getting to share all that I’ve learned & continue to learn over the years. Whoever claims this industry is saturated. I say we need more of you! Your creativity, vision, and talent!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
By all means, it has not been easy! Transitions & change are a constant in this industry.
Whether it’s learning new trends, building your business structure, or experiencing long hours on set with little sleep + early call times.
As long as you’re willing to devote time to education & have a positive outlook, the reward is SO worth it.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a professional hair & makeup artist.
Although I had originally started off doing hair since I attended a beauty school, to become a licensed Cosmetologist, I specialize in makeup. One of my all-time dreams was to combine my two loves, travel & beauty! In the past few years that is something, I’ve checked off the list & one of the things I’m most proud of!
Along with getting the cover of Playboy, two web features in Italian Vogue & seeing my work in Time Square, where I used to go with my family as a child. *pinch me.*
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Too many lessons I’ve learned along the way but some have really stuck & changed my outlook on life! Here are a few of them:
- Find the purpose/beauty in the journey. Developing an optimistic mindset has been an important asset as I’ve continued to navigate this industry
- Be kind to yourself, perfection is unrealistic. Achieving that or not, in your personal or work life doesn’t make you inferior.
- Comparison is the thief of joy. Stay focused on your lane.!We all have an individual purpose & calling to fulfill.
- We are all a work in progress!!
Contact Info:
- Website: Dorkajones.com
- Instagram: @dorkajjones
Image Credits
Kristen Weaver Photography, Ehsan Zarrin, Luca Demassis, and Kayla Mendez
