Meet Trailblazer Jessica Bonilla

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Bonilla.

Jessica, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was born in Venezuela and have an innate passion for beauty, fashion, art, and science. I began my BEAUTY Career as a Model in my town city San Cristobal, Venezuela. During my work and studies at the agency that I belonged to, I learned infinite makeup techniques, photoshoot trends, social etiquette and nutrition, as well as skin care basics. I worked as a model for a couple of years and participated in fashion campaigns and shows, editorials, photoshoots, etc. until I was invited to participate in one of the most important beauty pageants in my city. I won the first runner-up place and got many contracts to continue working as a model. In the meantime, I was always asked to do my friends and family’s makeup for special events, and I would always offered my opinion to enhance natural beauty. I completed a bachelor degree in 2010 to become a biology and chemistry teacher while I was working as a model as well.

I then moved to United States in 2014 due to the tense political situation in my home country and continued my training in the beauty industry by attending PRO makeup classes by beauty gurus, such as Mario Dedivanovic (Kim Kardashian’s Makeup Artist) and his Master Class in New York City, Roberto Ramos, Helder Marucci, and Cristina Pilo. I also attended Boca Beauty Academy in Boca Raton Florida to complete my Esthetician License in 2017. Meanwhile, I was teaching science at the School District of Palm Beach County at the same time (yes! I do not know how I managed to have a full time job and prepare for a second career)

Being a science teacher helped me to transfer my skills to apply them into skincare as well as to develop my beauty business and connect easily with my client’s needs. In August 2017, I decided to launch my website where people could not only book any of my services online but also learn beauty tips and trends through my b log and social media channels. My business bloomed and started to grow tremendous due to my hard work and sacrifice, so I decided to quit teaching in public schools in May this year to dedicate 100% to JESS BONILLA BEAUTY.

It has been a very tough journey, but I feel now happy and because everything I learned just has more sense now. As a creative person and entrepreneur, growing my beauty business is now my top priority and making people feel great feeds my passions. After quitting my full time job and restless nights, I decided to take my passion for beauty and teaching to the next level by offering my knowledge and expertise as a Professional Makeup Artist, Skin Care Expert, and Beauty Educator. I now specialize on subtle transformations, helping women to bring out their best version of their natural complexion and talents. I see beauty as everything that can improve your life. Even though beauty seems superficial, I believe that beauty has nothing to do with looks. It comes from within. Beauty is how you are as a person and how you make others feel about themselves. When I am not creating looks on my clients, or doing skin care treatments, I am constantly creating content for my blog and social media platforms. I also love reading and researching new products and ingredients (here is where my studios and nerdy part of comes out naturally lol). I have just recently started teaching Makeup Workshops for all levels so that women can learn how to improve their makeup application. I am also a yoga, coffee, and wine lover. I enjoy to spend quality time with my family and friends as well.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
NOT AT ALL!! I have had many obstacles along the way. I come from a very hard situation where we had to run away from our country in order to protect our integrity, and that is extremely tough. You have to start all over again, reinvent yourself, overcome your fears, struggle emotionally and financially, split apart from your family and loved ones, and just trust your talents and strength to succeed. However, I agree with “what does not kill you makes you stronger”, and I believe I am a new woman now. I also had to manage to have two full time jobs at the same time. When you do that, you sacrifice your health, sleep, weekends off, reunions, etc., but then when you feel you cannot do that anymore, light comes after the tunnel and everything works out according to your plans. My biggest advice is, have an encounter with yourself, find what triggers your passions and emotions. Then prepare the best you can to be the best at what you love to do, and have a plan to achieve goals. You will have to sacrifice many things as you walk your journey, but you must stay true to your inner self and keep pushing harder, at the end, there is no feeling that beats satisfaction when you pursue and achieve your goals.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Jess Bonilla Beauty – what should we know?
I am a Licensed Esthetician and Professional Makeup Artist. I specialize on subtle transformations, helping women to bring out their best version of their natural complexion and talents. I also specialize in Bridal Services. Being part of that very special day is just a feeling that I cannot describe. I LOVE doing weddings and being there for brides in their most special day makes me feel accomplished. As far as my company, I feel very proud of our progress. My husband and family have been very supportive and have helped me grow so much! I started out doing makeup once or twice a month, and I have now grown to the point that I am recruiting staff to join me for bigger bridal parties. I barely have a weekend off!

On the other hand, I started to provide classes to offer people the opportunity to grow in this industry and improve. As a former teacher, I knew that I had to continue teaching somehow. My recently launched Makeup Workshops provide apprentices with the learning opportunity they need, and it is also an experience many women want to have even if they only need to learn makeup basics. What sets me apart is that I provide individualized attention to every client and student. I do not believe in beauty standards or stereotypes. We all are different and need a service that pays attention to detail and to bring out the best version of ourselves. I also commit to quality services, so every time someone seats on my chair, I will ensure I am using only the highest quality products for that type of complexion. And of course, I like to build relationships, so I will most likely talk to you and treat you as a human or friend rather than just a client.

Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
I find inspiration everywhere! I usually read all type of blogs. I also love watching TED Talks on YouTube, They are very inspirational and boost your energy to accomplish goals. However, I believe you are you biggest inspiration, so just dedicate time and invest it in something that you love to do. Go outside, take a walk to the beach, breath, appreciate the beauty in everything, and you will find peace to let your imagination and energy flow.

Pricing:

• Bridal Makeup: $150
• Bridal Airbrush Makeup: $200
• Bridal Hair and Makeup Package: $300
• Makeup with Lashes: $100
• Private Makeup Class: $250
• Group Makeup Class: $150 per person
• Classic Facial: $100
• VIP Facial: $150
• Microneedling: $200 and up per session
• Signature Lash Tint & Lift + Brow Design

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jessbonilla.com
• Phone: 5618084585
• Email: info@jessbonilla.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessbonillabeauty/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessbonillabeauty/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/jessicabonillav
• Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-MQPJNj_YtuINx6l4lmTaw?view_as=subscriber

Image Credit:
Sammie Marie Photography
Alexander Tamargo Photography
Melissa Ann Olson Photography

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