Nedra Jones discovered she had a gift to enhance images when she did makeovers for close friends and family; styling their hair and doing their makeup. Specializing in makeup for bridal, fashion shows and photo shoots, Jones is a household name in Southern California. Her work has been seen in films, on red carpets and at special events. Jones knows that every woman’s ultimate goal is to achieve that polished look. Here, she shares her inspirations, talks role models and Las Vegas.
Name your favorite role models for success in two industries.
There are so many talented role models in the industry. To narrow it down, I will have to say Roshar is one of many amazing makeup artists I have been following his work for while know as well as designer Michael Costello.
Explain why lifelong learning is important to you.
Every day should be a learning day for everyone. Learning is an ongoing subject for me – working with a new canvas in my chair, learning what product will work for each client as well with everyday life.
Do you most often actively seek inspiration or does it find you? Or is it a combination of the two?
For me, it’s a combination of things. I could be on my way to work and see some art that gives me that Inspiration for the day, or I could see a fellow artist at work. Inspiration could be host of things for me including fashion or even as looking at arrangement of flowers.
How do you stay at the leading edge of your craft?
I am always researching and absorbing new products, new trends, styles and continuing my education with new techniques by attending classes as often as I can.
How do you map out your goals? How do you measure your success?
Mapping out my goals is a daily and weekly thing for me. I have a journal that I call my motivational journal. This constantly reminds of goals and keep [me] pushing forward.
How did you arrive at this career choice?
I’ve always loved the beauty industry. At an early age, I was interested in makeup. But while attending Los Angeles Trade Tech, in my second semester in the cosmetology department, I came across a makeup class which I feel in love with. Taking that makeup class a was blessing. I found the career and job I love.
What is your favorite vacation destination and why?
I don’t have a specific place to vacation. Vegas is always fun, but I would love to travel somewhere tropical.
What separates you from others in your field? What is unique to the experience that you create?
I am a freelance makeup artist. Most artists have some type of experience – working at a makeup counter, working for a big cosmetics company, or attending a makeup school. But for my personal experience, I learned makeup on my own. I am willing to help other artists. I know this is very rare in this industry.
What software and tools of technology apps have made the biggest difference in your life?
Instagram, Twitter and Facebook allow me to stay engaged with my new and old clients.
www.makeupbynedraj.net
https://www.facebook.com/
https://makeupbynedraj.tumblr.
https://www.myspace.com/beauty_
https://www.modelrun.com/
https://www.twitter.com/
What affirmations do you repeat to yourself that contribute to your success?
Humbling myself and asking God for guidance, strength, good health and prosperity. Thinking negatively is not an option.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Being less critical of my work and not worrying what others think of me.
What role does technology play in your day-to-day life? How do you utilize it?
My iPhone and laptop are synched to my hand on a day-to-day basis. It’s safe to say technology plays a huge role in my life. Using the Internet daily to research, promote, and network.
Who do you consider your peers in your field?
There’s a lot I can name but here are a just a few Drini Marie, Rich Magan`a , Kym Oubre and Sean Harris.
Community success based on what you do in the community means what to you?
Everything I do is from my heart. I am always giving back to the community the best way I can if that’s feeding the homeless or doing make overs for abused women in my community. Making over any client that sits in my chair is great, but the best feeling of making a woman over that doesn’t believe she beautiful until she glammed up is always a gratitude feeling for me.
What role do music and cultural events play in your self-identity?
I am so blessed to have been raised around all kinds of music. Music is therapy for me. If you are having a good or bad day music moves you give you energy and creativity. Music is a part of my everyday life from working to getting ready for work. Music helps us as artists and helps us get through our day.
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
I would change people being so judgmental towards each another, how we treat each other. I would take away all the racist statements that comes to everyone’s thoughts and actions.
Define your personal culture.
God, family and work
