Today we’d like to introduce you to Jen Brady.
Hi Jen, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started out in cosmetology school in my hometown outside of Philly, and worked there a few years at a salon. I moved to LA by myself when I was 20 to attend a journeyman make-up program that prepared you for film, TV, photo and in-person/VIP work. My time out there was incredible. I worked my butt off and created opportunities to assist incredible artists that eventually landed my working with Disney, Oakley, TV actors, etc. and as a stylist on the Annual Victoria’s Secret Runway show. I also had a ton of fun. Four years later I moved to Austin, with my now husband, when we both wanted a change. Austin was on my radar for TV and film work, and I felt it was an oppurtunity to break into the production scene before it got too flooded. I’ve done a a big variety of things in the industry since I’ve been here. Feature and short films, I owned a salon for 7 years, co-owned an H/MU artist agency, been on roster for an agency, worked behind the chair(salon), and have worked on countless shoots and with individuals needing H/MU.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not always been a smooth road for sure. I’ve always enjoyed the journey for the most part, but I’ve gone through periods of dry spells and imposter syndrome When I was starting out in LA, it was incredibly defeating at times and I was just plain broke! Balancing mom life and shoots with long hours has also been a major thing, and Covid (like for so many) produced the largest period of no work I’ve ever had. The lessons I’ve learned… you can only just “wait” for work to a point- you have to work to create oppurtunities. Dream big and write it out. The “competition” should be your friends. There is room for everyone, and you’re going to want friends like you who will talk about hair and make-up all day: )
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I work on set as a hair and make-up artist doing ad campaigns for TV, print and web, episodic TV, celebrity work, events, etc. and have a very small(incredible) salon clientele that I work with about three days a month.
What set’s me apart… I don’t know what other’s really think about me of course, but I’m often told on set that it’s a relief to have a hair/make-up artist that is super chill, attentive, and keeps things running on time- so thats’s a plus. For the last few years I have become known for creating natural looks that showcase skin, and I think I was one of the first- if not the first- make-up artist in town to create a full “clean” beauty kit about five years ago.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I don’t believe in luck in regards to how things have gone for me one bit. I’ve worked for it all. Every salon clientele I’ve grown in 3 different states, production contacts, jobs, etc. The oppurtunities come when we have clear vision and have/are willing to put in the work!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jenibrady.com
- Instagram: @jenbradyatx
