Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Obarrio.
Jessica, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I guess artistry has always enticed my interest even at a young age, being Cuban-American born and raised in Miami, FL, I would spend most if not all of my childhood with my great grandparents who would take care of me as my parents worked full-time. My great grandfather Rogelio being my greatest artistic inspiration, he was a gardener by trade but his passion was music and woodwork a luthier if you would. Over the summers, I’d watch him handmade Spanish guitars in my backyard shed, taking months and loving every process of it and when he was finished playing, writing and singing music. I like to think that seeing that as a child made me want to find what my inner artist was, I could not draw on paper to save my life even though I wanted to so badly, but who knew drawing and painting faces would come naturally to me.
I remember makeup being a special part of my adolescence watching my mother and aunt apply their makeup. It was the 90’s so it was very much a grungy era black liner, brown lipstick paired with a choker, R.E.M playing in the background. Makeup was never about vanity for me. It was a way of expression.
Reaching early adulthood, I thought I had to grow up quickly and I did, so Makeup was never even thought of being a career. I did not grow up with the YouTube craze or even much internet so I had no resources on how to even pursue this career. So I went ahead and joined the workforce and built my career in the corporate world as an Operations Manager for about ten years. It wasn’t until my divorce did I decide that life was too short and I needed to pursue my passions. I had one friend, in particular, Alessa, who would always build me up and tell me I should be doing this full-time. I credit her for this. She always pushed me and I’m grateful for that.
So I built my makeup kit, took clients here and there after work hours and weekends and did that for about two years and also had a team built with my friends called Capture MIA, where we would organize our own Photoshoots. When I was no longer happy in my corporate career, I had saved enough money to make my transition into being a Makeup Artist full-time. I have now been working as a Professional Makeup Artist for about six years now and it been an amazing ride!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It’s been a bumpy road getting to where I am today, leaving a career to pursue a completely different one comes with its challenges. You now need to start from zero and work your way up. That was so hard for me. I had built my corporate career, which I was proud of. I loved the company I worked for. I was there to watch it grow and be a part of it and was very much financially secure.
Starting from scratch was terrifying and you have your days where you doubt yourself and your decisions. You just need to pull through, have patience and keep a positive outlook; everything all works out in the end. I do have to say I am lucky to have a boyfriend who supports, cheers me on and will be there to help in any way. It helps so much having that support system from your significant other. He’s been there for every step of the ride and I appreciate him for it. Love you, Carl!
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I always try to be strong in all makeup applications and techniques. I feel this would set me apart and keep me booked. I am also a firm believer in the more you know, the better you are. Besides being a freelance Makeup Artist, I am a Sephora Senior Artist where I get to train and certify up and coming artists in different Sephora Locations in Miami.
I specialize in print, production, TV, runway, bridal, special occasion and SFX and facepaint. I have been published in Vulkan Mag, L’Officiel, Mr. Warburton, Snow Mag, Ellements and Crush Magazine Runway for Louis Vuitton Resort 2020 and Harley Davidson Fashion Runway 2020 Music Videos, TV commercials. I have had the honor in assisting pros like Ilde Goncalves, a Pro Miami Makeup Artist with over 14 years of experience and most recently assisting Celebrity Makeup Artist Patrick Ta, founder of Patrick Ta Beauty for recording artist Karol G.
What were you like growing up?
I was a good kid, quiet, never got into any real trouble. I would spend a lot of time with dad Jorge (he is my world) we would love being outside playing games and being competitive, my dad is my best friend so we would go out and play softball, football or be at the beach all day, I also grew up skiing each year since I was five, and I still do, it’s my favorite sport.
Another fun fact is that I’m also a car enthusiast. I would spend nights at the Moroso racetrack in high school, I loved racing and having fast cars, I mainly raced mustang 5.0’s, haven’t raced in a long time but I still have a heavy foot. Since I was a kid I have been competitive, always challenging myself and doing things that are unexpected or not fitting a mold. I can race cars and love makeup. I can be glam or be in sweats. I can wear heels or wear sneakers. I can do what I want and be who I want to be.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 786-250-2167
- Email: makeupbyjessyo@gmail.com
- Instagram: MakeupbyJessyO
Image Credit:
Carl Infante
Edie Angela
JD Forte
Sam Spence
Alex Bartole
Douglas Voisin
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