We had the good fortune of connecting with Jacqueline Castro and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jacqueline, what’s the end goal, career-wise?
There is no end goal for me. Once I accomplish something, I immediately look towards reaching my next goal. As one of my favorite artists Adele says in her newest album – “Complacency is the worst trait to have”. It is important to keep growing and learning to prevent that. As far as my career is concerned, I think the next step is to pursue a makeup career full time. I have always wanted to gain experience with runway, movie, TV shoots, maybe even travel for opportunities! Although this is my next goal, it is not the last. I have a small background in teaching and one day hope to gain enough experience to teach others about the artistry of makeup.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I enjoy makeup focusing on soft to full glam. I am proud of how much confidence I have gained by just practicing my craft. The first few weeks of makeup school, I remember leaving in tears because of how many times my instructor wiped off the work I did on a model and made me start over as it was not to her standards. I did not let this stop me from going back in to do it repeatedly. Growing up dancing, many told me the minute you think you are good at something is the minute you stop growing as a dancer. I transferred this philosophy in my makeup artistry.

My favorite part of being a makeup artist is the look on my clients’ faces – the immediate change in emotion they feel when looking at themselves in the mirror once I am done. The energy changes and you can see/feel their confidence shine through their face. Knowing I had a small part in that is everything to me; it makes everything I have done up to that point completely worth it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I actually moved from Los Angeles to Houston mid-2021 with my boyfriend, so we haven’t tried many of the local spots yet! I enjoy going to a small breakfast/brunch spot called “Leeland’s House” – the “Brisket Hash” is so good! Everyone in Houston is extremely nice and has made our transition here quite easy. I will forever be grateful for that!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

Many people in my life have contributed to my decision to pursue makeup artistry as a career. It began in college, I was lost and had no idea what I wanted to earn my degree in. Then I met Dr. Grote, a tenured Child Development professor at California State University, Northridge. As the semester continued, I grew more and more interested in the science of child development. Professor Grote was great as she listened to my struggles around balancing school, work, and paying rent off-campus. She suggested a side hustle and asked me if I had any hobbies. Fast forward a year, with the support of my parents, I completed my first makeup course. In that course I won 2nd place in the final makeup competition! From that moment on my parents and boyfriend knew how much I enjoyed makeup in comparison to pursuing college. I did not quit though; I earned my degree for my parents. After obtaining my degree, I decided to pursue a career in the beauty industry.

I would like to dedicate this to my family, my boyfriend Oscar, Dr. Grote, Patty (my very first paying client), and everyone who has ever booked makeup services with me. You are all adored and truly appreciated. Thank you!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeupbyjack__/

Image Credits
Personal photo: Jose Pineda (@jplense on instagram) Wedding photo is actually Dr. Grote whom I shouted out in the previous question

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