Last Updated on December 23, 2020
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About Jankail Adams
I always tell everyone, my first real memory of makeup… I was in the 6th grade and our middle school was putting on a talent show. A few of us were dancing to Michael Jackson’s Thriller. Apparently, I’m a much better makeup artist than a dancer because I found myself backstage turning my friends into Zombies with Halloween face paint and some brushes from art class. I had no idea what I was doing, I just thought I could translate what was in my head onto their faces. So that began my journey as a self-taught makeup artist!
About Jankail Sherri
At the heart of who I am, I remain just a girl who loves makeup. I am a self-taught makeup artist who utilizes my love and uncanny knowledge about cosmetics to connect with women all over the world. My viral series, “Make Me Up,” helped women connect the use of simple products to real life. Foundation is not just the building block of your makeup application; it is the building block of your life.
Contents
How Did You Get Your First Several Customers Or Users? How Many Users Or Customers Do You Have Now?
As with most new businesses, my first customers were friends and family members. But this all happened by coincidence! The thing is, I didn’t always wear makeup properly. There was a time that my black eyeshadow came up way to close to the brow, and I woe shimmer over the entire lid, making my eye look flat and awful! It wasn’t until I got up the nerve to practice on other people (because it’s my belief that anyone can learn how to do their own makeup really well) that I learned how to correct so many of these mistakes. When they started to get noticed by their peers, I knew I had a blooming business. This business grew into an online platform of about 2,000 followers (combined) and I began hosting #MakeupMonday, a live tutorial where I help everyday women take the guesswork (and fear) out of makeup. They taught me that makeup can be intimidating, and my goal was to reassure them that they don’t need 10 years of industry experience and a $5,000 makeup kit to achieve a standard of beauty they’re comfortable with. And while I began with drugstore product, I realized there was a niche market for my business to build upon my already established client base with cosmetics.
How Does Your Company Grow And Acquire New Customers?
On wedding day, I don’t relegate myself to just makeup. You can find my buckling shoes or buttoning bustles. Those are the memories my Bride’s remember and cherish. I always try to be a calming force for them on their big day. Things rarely ever go according to plan, so I’ve done it all, including guiding my Brides on cleansing breath meditations. A lot of times, those minutes in my chair are their only moments of peace throughout the day. I also leverage social media as much as possible. I am very interactive with my followers as well as my clients. One of the greatest things about my grassroots efforts to grow my business is that I’m very relatable and personable. Some of the artists I admire are everything but accessible! I love that a client can text me from the makeup aisle in Target with a question about mascara. I worked hard to earn their trust, so I value it and reciprocate whenever possible.
What Actionable Tips And Tricks Do You Have For New Founders Who Are Looking To Get Their First Thousand Users Or Dollars?
Connect with your users. I go through my followers accounts as often as possible. I want to see their son’s first missing tooth. I want to see their milestone birthday brunches. That is the connection I seek to have with my people. Also, those accounts you follow? Find out who they follow, and then interact with them. Not only does it help attract a new clientele when you leave comments on their photos or products, but it also boosts your algorithm, which helps you get seen by more people as you slowly build your base.
What Is Something You’ve Learned That Would Not Be Obvious To Somebody Who Hasn’t Worked In Your Space Before?
I don’t do all types of makeup. A good artist studies many things, but focuses on a few. I love a good cut crease! But that isn’t necessarily my ideal client. a 40 year old real estate agent who wants updated headshots isn’t asking for that. So I super serve my niche by catering to a more casual, realistic and soft beauty. Don’t get me wrong – I can go full on Atlanta Housewife on a beat if need be! But that’s not who I attract.
What’s The Craziest Thing That’s Happened To You (Good Or Bad) On Your Founder Journey?
I met my MUA idol Sam Fine at a class in Chicago. First of all, he’s stunning in person. I’ve never seen a more graceful and beautiful man in my life! But he was so gracious. And to see his work in person and up close? When I say it was flawless, it was just that! The craziest bad thing? I booked a Bride and went through her trial, only to have to cancel 4 days before the wedding because I was traveling on my first cruise and didn’t realize the last day was actually at sea. She was FURIOUS with me! Her fiance` sent me invoices for refunds and everything! To make matters worse, I was at sea, so I wasn’t even able to respond to her text messages or phone calls until I docked. Her sister-in-law made a post asking for last minute makeup artists, and everyone kept tagging me. I was so embarrassed and felt terrible. I refunded her every penny.
What Are Your Favorite Books?
What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day (by Pearl Cleage)
Think And Grow Rich (by Napoleon Hill)
The Four Agreements (by Miguel Ruiz)
New Moon Astrology (by Jan Spiller)
You Can Heal Your Life (by Louise Hay)
When Loving Him Is Hurting You (by David Hawkins) – this book gave me the courage to leave my ex and file for divorce 3 years ago
Anything You’d Like To Plug?
I am a teacher at heart, so I’ve written a free Ebook titled, “Makeup Essentials for the Everyday Woman,” to help guide those who are timid (and those who just need a refresher) about makeup. www.jankailsherri.com/ebook
Recommended posts:
- Helping Companies Become Carbon Neutral With John James David Munn
- Building Space Infrastructure With Tim Chrisman
- Growing A Music Social Network With Josh Simons
Book summaries, notes, interviews, and more!
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