We chat to Jenn Michelle, CEO of Glam Life Beauty and all-round beauty guru

Jenn Michelle is the CEO of Glam Life Beauty a Celebrity Makeup Artist & Hairstylist, Beauty Educator & Hair Extension Specialist, GlamLife TV Producer & Creator, Women’s Empowerment Advocate, and Entrepreneur.  We chatted to Jenn to learn more about what drives her and how she has empowered so many women to date.

 Hi Jenn, thank you for taking the time to talk to me today.

Can I start by asking you a bit about your backstory?  Where did it all start?

I always say I am a girl from Brooklyn and I am the oldest of four girls. I always knew I wanted to do what I am doing now. 

We often do what our family thinks we should do, but I wanted to carve out my own path.  I am a creator and wanted to work with my hands. I went to beauty school but didn’t actually pursue beauty until I was 30. I started off by working in advertising in Manhattan which is such a big part of what I do now. The experience I gained back then built me up to where I am now.

Was there a defining moment that got you into the business?

There was, and it was one of those moments that you see in films!

I was approached in a mall by a girl who had noticed and liked my make-up. Contouring was just starting, and I was always playing around with make-up. She wanted me to assist her at New York Fashion Week. Of course, I said yes! 

When I got to New York, the girl who was meant to be doing make-up didn’t show up. That is how I got thrown in at the deep end. I did the make-up, and the rest is history. Once I left New York Fashion Week I knew that was what I wanted to do. At that point I was still finding my feet – I worked lots of jobs to earn money and get the experience. I started to freelance. I applied to Mac and was offered a management position. I had the passion.  Not long after that, I decided I wanted to create my own make-up line. That’s when Jenn Michelle Beauty was born.

Were there any moments in the early days that stick in your mind?

There is one.  It happened when I opened my first beauty shop. Shortly after I opened, I found out the lease was fraudulent and had to shut down.  I remember thinking, who would play with someone’s dreams like this? But it didn’t stop me. I rented a building down the street and got it ready. I then opened up as Glamm Life – the name came about when talking to a fellow artist when I used the phrase.

How difficult has it been to make it in the beauty world and has being a female been an advantage?

Being a female has not been an advantage.

I know a lot of men who are incredible artists.  My passion has made me successful rather than my gender.  My passion has set me apart from other artists.  Talent can be taught but passion cannot. My advantage was I have always been grateful for every experience and I am also very resilient.  My daughters have watched me and I wanted to show them that girls can push for their dreams. It took a long time for me to get where I am but I never stopped believing.

What mistakes have you made along the way and how have these shaped your success now?

I have made so many mistakes, but that is OK. That is part of the journey. Mistakes build your character as a boss and entrepreneur. I have learnt that not everyone has the same heart as me. But one thing I have learnt, is that you have to look after yourself and your wellbeing - you cannot pour from an empty cup.

Have you every suffered from imposter syndrome?

Absolutely. We all suffer from that from time to time. The past few months have been difficult. We don’t give ourselves our flowers when we deserve them. It is important to own how far you have come. There is nothing wrong with celebrating your wins. When we have those moments of being stuck, we have to learn to work out our mindset which can make or break you. This year I have learnt to celebrate and not doubt myself.

In your view, have you had to jump through hoops to become a female CEO?

Yes, but for reasons other than the ones you would expect.  I am a mum, first. As mums we are often frowned upon if we put a lot into our work. If a man works all the time, it is seen as normal. In the beginning, people had their opinions because I was a mum. We do have to fight for that boss title. It is easier for men to achieve, yes. We have to make sure that the home is right first before we can do what we want. I fought to be a CEO. I fought to know ‘Who is Jenn?’

My kids come first, but I cannot be at my best if I don’t also pursue my dreams. In my field you have to fight for your space a bit more. My work ethic as a CEO sets me apart from others. I can outwork anyone in the room because of my passion and drive.

What has been your biggest success?

There have been so many throughout my journey. For this year it has been the rebranding of the Glamm Life Beauty collection. I love my brand and can say I love it with confidence. It’s a different thing to love rather than like your brand. I love mine.

My women’s group is called The Women Warriors Collab. Women warriors because we fight for where we stand. We bounce back from so much turmoil. This is a network group and attracts women from all professions. Most of my clients are women in business. I wanted a group that was formed from women of all different levels and women who wanted to step into entrepreneurial ship.

How can female business owners inspire the younger female generation to believe in themselves and find the drive to succeed?

One thing I would say is never compare someone’s Season 11 to your Season 1.

We go through lots of different levels. You may be going through your dark period – business is up and down. You don’t know their hard moment and they don’t know yours. If you have a dream, it is achievable. Always work on your craft, don’t worry about opinions and just go for it. Network with women. Be open to advice, learn not to take things personally.

Jenn, thank you so much for talking to me.  There are some really powerful messages that have come out of this and it has been a privilege to hear about your journey.

Find Jenn at:

Website: Glamlifebeautycollection.com

Insta: @jennmichelle_glammlife & @glamlifebeautycollection

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Debbie Jacobs is a marketing pro and freelance writer. She Zest Marketing in Berkshire with a wide client base including the lifestyle, legal, and charitable sectors. She specialises in writing content for features, blogs and websites as well as copywriting for social media and press releases. She is a quirky creative, loves words, speaks Italian and has a passion for home and garden design and up-cycling. Debbie is passionate about helping businesses and entrepreneurs tell their story.

Insta: @Zestmarketingnewbury, FB: @zestmarketingnewbury, Website: https://www.zest-marketing.net/