If your makeup routine could use a pick me up, or even a face lift, you’re in luck with Jentry Kelley Cosmetics. With her self-titled cosmetics line, Houston makeup artist Jentry Kelley has created a successful makeup brand that boasts a online retail business and can be found in boutiques all over Houston and beyond.
While pursuing a business management degree at the University of Houston-Clear Lake, Kelley delved into makeup artistry and cosmetics. After years of applying her artistic talents at a department store beauty counter, Kelley used her business savvy to start her own company.
Although the odds seemed stacked against the then burgeoning cosmetics line owner, Kelley kept her wits about her. She flew from Texas to New York with little capital and an unshakable resolve. Her fateful meeting with a manufacturer in the Big Apple led to the production of Kelley’s line.
Determined as ever and without a storefront, Kelley sold these early items from the trunk of her car. “I am really competitive with myself, in everything I do,” said Kelley, underscoring her entrepreneurial spirit. The first batch of the cosmetic line sold units that amassed $35,000. In five months’ time, the Jentry Kelley Cosmetics line was born.
Interview: Brand Yourself and What You Love
Kelley has two companies and she has branded herself as someone who applies makeup naturally. “I do what I love and what inspires me” said Kelley. Her advice is to focus on what you’re good at, so you can be proud of your work at the end of the day.
During an interview with Fashion Mingle, Kelley addressed the demanding work schedule of a beginning fashion entrepreneur. “When you are your own boss the hours can be long and the work is never ending,” Kelley said, “I work fifteen hours a day, but I don’t feel like I’m working. It is my passion”.
Fashion entrepreneurship comes with a series of challenges, with criticism being at the top of the list. Kelley advises that creative professionals and business take constructive criticism with aplomb. “Being able to do so will make you so much better at your craft.”
Jentry Kelley has seen many successes during her time as a professional makeup artist and business owner, including a stint at the Emmy’s. Soon after, Kelley was a makeup sponsor for Fashion Houston where she was the makeup artist for fashion designers Zac Posen and Monique Lhuillier.
“This was a huge achievement for me,” Kelley said, “I have come a long way since being the girl at the Clinique counter.”
Providing a variety of services for clients is another cornerstone of Kelley’s business success. She offers her makeup artistry services to women at Makeup by Jentry, a services brand that promotes makeup application that looks natural and never over applied.
With a series of online video tutorials and a variety of makeup choices, Kelley empowers women by giving them the ability to turn their beauty regimes into semi-professional makeup artistry sessions. Bask in the glow of artfully applied makeup with Jentry Kelley Cosmetics tutorial videos and products.
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Gerilyn is a professional writer who edits and writes news stories for Fashion Mingle. Having studied fashion and consumer sciences at Texas State University, she seeks to educate readers about this evolutionary art form's historical and cultural impact. When she is not helping local businesses expand their social media presence and marketing efforts, Gerilyn spends time collecting Milan Kundera hardcovers and creating original artwork.
