Do you think talent/education can only be pursued at formal educational institutes? Well our education institutes love to stress this point. However, with passion and hard work anyone can learn and educate themselves with minimal tools available to them. Jessica who was passionate to accomplish her dream to become a makeup artist was denied by several schools in Philadelphia because of her physical disability. She has Arthrogryposis which limits use of both of her arms and hands. Rejection of schools and the challenges of her own disability did not stop Jessica. She had the will and found a way to train herself to become a makeup artist. She cleverly invested her time in YouTube where she leaned from endless hours of tutorials and worked very hard to master the skills. She sat and practiced makeup skills on her face for hours and hours. She developed and innovated precise technique for applying makeup by holding brush between her teeth for stability. She not only proved herself but also proudly made herself a role model for millions to follow. She has shown her artistic talent at Philly's Small Business Fashion Week.

Can you tell us about your journey of becoming a makeup artist? What is your favorite thing about this profession?J: Begin doing make up into 2007. A friend asked me to help her apply cosmetics for her graduation photos. I was super nervous because I've never apply cosmetics to anyone else's face besides my own, so for her to ask me to assist her it was truly an honor. After she graduated from other set me a letter thanking me for making her daughter looks beautiful for such a huge milestone. And it was right then and there that I knew that make up artistry rain deep within my blood. My favorite thing about make up, and the artistry of it. Is that you can go from being you... To being completely glamed up!!! Make up enhances the natural beauty that is already there!!! That's my favorite thing!!

Where did you learn to be a makeup artist? What is the difference in your technique? How long does it take usually to complete one makeup session?J: I applied to several schools here in Philadelphia just to get denied because of my physical disability which is Arthrogryposis. I have limited use of both of my arms and hands, so I taught myself how to do make up with my mouth. After being denied by three top schools I decided to hop on the computer and attend what I call "YouTube University"! I sat for hours upon hours on end watching YouTube tutorials and practicing on my own face and then adventuring off onto friends now clients!! The difference of my technique of holding the brush in between my teeth allows me to have more stability with the brush and the application of the cosmetics being applied. Liquid eyeliner for example. It's super wet and extremely easy to make a mistake. But it if you have a steady "Hand", it becomes much easier to apply with perfection. And it's the same principle with placing the applicator in between my teeth and using my neck muscles to guide my head to apply a perfectly straight or angled wing!! It's typical Make;Up application appointment takes about one hour. Included with the appointment is not just a make up application session. It is a full skin care routine and skincare consultation. I like to find out what products they are already using as far as skincare and make up. And it's a great way to get to know your clients, and to gain their trust.

How was experience at Philly's Small Business Fashion Week?J: Philadelphia small business fashion week was such an amazing experience!! I worked alongside so many cosmetologists and make up artists who are certified in doing skincare and make up. And here I am little old me, no certificate, no degree, no proper training. Just everything I have learned on YouTube and adapted to teach myself. All of the make up artists looked at me as if just another make up artist, they didn't see me as different, they didn't criticize a ridicule me for the unique way that I apply cosmetics... And the Philadelphia small business fashion week Family was so welcoming to the thought of me being a part of the show, so much, that I am now the lead make up artist for Philadelphia small business fashion week season three, Philadelphia kids fashion week season two, as well as Philadelphia teen fashion week!! It is truly an honor to be a part of something so big!!!

Do you want to share an incident when someone hesitated initially to have makeup applied by you? How do you help them to overcome their hesitation? How do you feel when people get overwhelmed by the whole experience?J: I had one client at the very start of my Dreamy Eyes artistry business, Who was almost reluctant for me to even come close to her face with me holding the brush between my teeth. She couldn't quite understand how my disability affected the make up application, and couldn't fathom the outcome. But with all of my clients both new and old, Conversation is key. I like to sit down with each of my clients to get to know them, joke around a little bit, personally explain to them my journey thus far. after the conversational piece I would initialize the skin care then jump right into the make up application!

What is your favorite place to visit and why?J: Actually have two favorite places I like to go to and visit to clear my mind and to give me muse. One is downtown Philadelphia! Downtown Philadelphia is such a melting pot of cultures, ethnicities, and different lifestyles. It allows me to see the potential for my brand-new business... And shows me that I am part of something so much bigger than I could ever imagine. The other location is where I find serenity. I like going to Penns Landing waterfront. And looking across, staring at the water... Knowing that wherever life takes me I will have peace.

Who is your favorite celebrity and why?J: My favorite celebrity would have to be Jennifer Lopez. She's absolutely gorgeous and from what I hear she is very down-to-earth. She is so versatile and everything she does from acting, singing ,modeling, Who doesn't love them some Jlo!!

Who is your inspiration?J: My younger sister inspires me so much. She always looks up to me, and she lets me know that she's my biggest fan. She's only six years younger than I am, but she is very wise for her age. Whenever I feel like giving up I know I concern to her to help see me through.

What are your other hobbies?J: Besides make up, I have a really Deepstep passion for writing, Both editorial and creative ( like poetry) . I also enjoy singing.

What advice would you give to our community if someone is passionate about learning new skills?J: Advice I would give to our community, especially the young adults in today society. Education is key but learning a trade/skill is extremely beneficial. Pursue your dreams, after all dreams Are meant become reality.

Any special message for our community?J: Never allow anyone or anything to stand in between you and your goals!!