Miss Jay Dreaming of International Take-Over

A make-up artist who has endeared herself to quite a few celebrities over the years, Miss Jay is confidently plotting a global expansion for her brand, eyeing markets outside Namibia.

sat down with her recently to talk about her journey, what makes her tick as well as her future plans…

After receiving an introduction to the art of make-up at the College of the Arts (Cota), the young entrepreneur went on to polish her skills at Shadonai Beauty School, with added online short courses from institutions in South Africa.

Once she entered the market, she was introduced to her first client in 2008. “It was nine years ago when I worked on a photo shoot with Nangula Nashandi and Christian Goltz,” she recalls.

With the gig turning out to be one where she was allowed full creative reign, this gave Miss Jay enough confidence to pursue her career vigorously.

“It was my first time doing false lashes and it was my first time doing a lot of new techniques and I basically fell more in love with make-up,” she says.

To date, Miss Jay is proud to say that she has worked with most Namibian celebrities with Oteya being her number one client.

“Oteya is the face of my brand, Miss Jay Arts, so even if I’m not around and she needs her make-up done, I consult with the make-up artist who will do it and we work hand-in-hand on the final look,” she says.

She’s also worked with Ugandan comedian Anne Kansiime as well as Angolan singers Perola and Yola Semedo, amongst others.

She also became the first recipient of the Simply You Magazine Lifestyle and Fashion Award for ‘Favourite Make-Up Artist’ last year.

Miss Jay is proud of where the beauty industry is today, noting things have changed over the years.

“Today it’s not about just applying the make-up. You need to know the skin texture, the facial features and work according to that,” she says. Like many of her peers, though, she does acknowledge the challenges in the industry, pointing out the saturation of the market by untrained individuals who pose as make-up artists.

“Nowadays anybody who can paint their face calls themselves a make-up artist. They come with really cheap prices or even work for free just so they can have their name out there. But I always say that the real make-up artists will always stay even when the others come and go.”

She encourages anyone who wants to get into the field to first master the fundamentals

Always eager to grow her brand, Miss Jay is eyeing film industries in Namibia and beyond, especially since this is the one branch of her career she’s always dreamt of getting into.

“I think I have made my mark in Namibia and so far the outside world has welcomed me really well. All the blessings that have come my way are a sign that it’s time to go all out,” she says.