We had the good fortune of connecting with Trulius Jolivet and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Trulius, what matters most to you?
My core value would have to be consistency. Consistency is key when developing and owning a business. I remember those times when I would feel so overwhelmed with questions on why my business would not prosper. Some of those questions were: Why am I not getting booked like every one else? Why can’t I get my work to look like that? Is this really something that I want to do? I prayed, and I asked God to reveal it all. I was the reason behind my business struggling, my negative mindset was keeping me from getting ahead. I prayed again, took notes, and started from scratch. I promoted my work, even if I wasn’t very proud of it. I knew someone would take interest in it. I became more social, which led to networking and creating relationships with other business owners. If there was something that needed improvement, I invested in my craft and elevated my skill set. Once I became steady in implementing these steps, recommendations for bookings just flew at me. I tell this story to any new business owner, because it’s not so easy starting out. Keep promoting, keep networking, keep praying, and keep believing in yourself.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Becoming a makeup artist nowadays seems very common, because just about any and everyone can do it. I honestly believe that having the ability to converse and create bonds with all of my clientele sets me apart. People may like you for your work, but they’ll love you for the experience that you give them. That experience cannot be grasped anywhere else, that’s what makes people return to you. They enjoy your energy. I am most excited when I work with those that has never gotten to experience any type of makeup application services, and also when i work with mature clients (40+). The wowing facial expressions and change of personality happens a lot when I give them the mirror to view their new look. Asking them about their favorite features, and watching their faces as they explain and compare the differences between the before and after. This experience is a key component of why I strive to become better at my craft, to keep those “OMG” faces constant. I’m like a sponge when it comes to my artistry, I’m always learning something new. I’ve now come to understand that investing in my craft is very important, you have to put in work to get to the top. Instagram, Youtube, and other social media platforms make it look so easy, but it is indeed the exact opposite. Trying to mock all of these celebs is going to get you nowhere, you have to learn how to become an individual and find the ingredients that make you different from them. Like I said before, consistency is key, along with trial and error. It took me many different technique attempts to find something that I was comfortable with, and it still always changes. The lessons that I’ve learned so far is that every thing that you learn from Youtube and Instagram is not to be applied to everyone. That’s where knowledge and experience comes to play, there’s some things that must be learned from just those things alone. I’ve also learned that you must know how to read the person that you’re working with, everyone cannot be approached the same. Lastly, but most importantly, “scared money don’t make money.” Learning new skills from someone else may be expensive, but if you look at it the other way around, you’re actually marketing those new skills to bring in more income. So basically, the lessons pay for themselves. I want the world to know who I am as an artist, and as a beautiful person inside, I do not desire fame at all. I want the world to know that I can take on a challenge, and excel at it in the long run. I want people to understand that there is no discrimination in my space, BE YOURSELF! My space is completely safe. I want others to know that I’m very grateful for their service, and for their conversation. Customers are what makes the world go round!
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My best friend is from this little town known as Corsicana, TX. She would enjoy anything Houston has to offer, especially food! Since eating is the most important activity for us both, the next time she visits I’ll be sure to take her to visit the following Black- Owned restaurants: We Got Wings & More (CE King) Flava Restaurant and Bar (Westpark) Flava Wings(Southwest) The Breakfast Klub (Montrose) and Lucille’s (Museum District) just to name a few! For activities, we’re both science geeks (& nursing majors!), but enjoy the chill type of fun. I’d take her to visit: Float Baby (with my baby) (Uptown/ SW) Downtown Aquarium (Downtown) The Health Museum (Museum District) Houston Is Inspired Mural (Downtown) Buffalo Exchange (Upper Kirby) NOA Nail Bar (Willowbrook) Shop MISS A (Willowbrook) Morphe Brushes (Houston Galleria) Pressed (Houston Galleria) just to also name a few!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
All of greatest support comes from strangers- to say the least! My parents, my husband, and my best friend are always putting my name on the map! They are my greatest support system. My son Antonio, you are the reason why I now strive to push this all to the limit. This is all for you. I also want to thank everyone that has liked or shared my work, given out my business cards, challenged my skill set, and thank you especially to those that has given me the opportunity to use your face as my canvas! I’m so delighted when you all sit in my chair, and you are the very reason that I stay dedicated to my artistry. If you’ve ever supported me in any way, THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART! We can only go up from here, and I’m absolutely here for it!
Website: www.truthemua.as.me
Instagram: @theglamouregeek
Facebook: MUATru