Today we’d like to introduce you to Jasmine Hillyer.
Hi Jasmine, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I have been a licensed Cosmetologist for 26 years. I graduated from the Cosmetology program at Sam Houston High School, class of 1999 in San Antonio, Texas. During the first 5 years of my career, I worked as a hairstylist in a salon chain. Through this experience, I learned the ropes of servicing salon clients, customer service, salon scheduling, and inventory.
During this time, I also found my love for makeup and attended JLS Makeup School in Los Angeles, CA. Shortly after, I began freelancing with a production company in San Antonio, Texas where I got the opportunity to do hair and makeup for television/film productions, and Fashion Week New York.
In 2005, I moved to Houston, Texas where I continued working as a Freelance Hair and Makeup artist, until I landed my first Cosmetology Instructor position at Paul Mitchell the School. This is when I discovered my love for teaching, and sharing my knowledge with students. I eventually moved back home to San Antonio, where I continued working for the company until right after my oldest daughter was born.
In 2013, I made the big leap and opened Pure Glam Hair and Makeup studios in a salon suite in San Antonio, Texas. In addition, I began offering makeup artist courses and certifications for individuals who wanted to get into makeup artistry professionally. “The hustle was on!” I stayed in my salon suite for 3 years before expanding to a bigger location. Now, my business resides in the Medical center in San Antonio, Texas.
In the meantime, I was offered a faculty position at Palo Alto College in San Antonio, Texas, where I am currently teaching in the Cosmetology department, in addition to running my business at Pure Glam. I get the best of both worlds and I love it!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been easy to say the least. As a mother of two and a wife, sometimes it is hard to find work/life balance. Afterall, being an entrepreneur is not a 9-to-5 job. The biggest obstacle or challenge I’ve had is the tragic loss of my dear friend Kevin. Kevin was my photographer for the make up classes and we worked on many creative photo shoots, weddings, family photos, you name it. He became like family. When he passed away in February 2023, I had classes scheduled, and no photographer. I met with a couple of photographers that were referred by friends but it just brought me to tears every single time. Instead of hiring another photographer, I decided to take some time to regroup and restructure the classes and content. I plan to relaunch new classes in the Fall of 2025. In the meantime, I continue to service my regular salon clients with hair and makeup services.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a professional hairstylist and makeup artist. I specialize in hair cutting, color, styling and glam makeup looks. What sets me apart, is as an African American woman I have a very diverse clientele. I have mastered haircutting, hair coloring, styling and makeup artistry on ALL ethnicities. I am most proud that I have been able to accomplish so much during my 26 years in the beauty industry. I have maintained my business for 13 years, while working as a Cosmetology Instructor, and obtaining my Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration in Entrepreneurship I love that my kids get to see that the quote holds true, “when you love what you do that, you never work a day in your life.” ~unknown quote
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Starting as a new stylist right out of high school one of the biggest lessons I had to learn along the way was professionalism. This includes professional appearance, professional talk and most of all keeping my personal life separate from my business when it comes to clientele. It’s great to establish a great rapport with your clients. However, I have found that clients will respect your business more when you keep it at a professional level.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://pureglamhairandmakeup.booksy.com/a/
- Facebook: Pure Glam Makeup Academy
Image Credits
Kevin Osbourne
