Jennifer Maldonado Went From Home School in Honduras to Beauty Blogging in Miami
Jennifer Maldonado is a 24-year-old makeup artist born and raised in Honduras, currently living in Miami. With over 35,000 supporters, Jen is quickly making a name for herself in the beauty industry as one of the most skillful MUA’s.
What sets Jen apart from the rest is her ability to use affordable products every time, and always deliver an amazing look (which is a godsend to all of us broke bitches). Jen prides herself on being open with her fans about personal struggles, confidence, and believing in yourself. If you want to learn more about this Honduran beauty found her passion, read on.
When did you become interested in makeup and how did you get your start?
I was never a girly girl, but after I graduated high school I wanted to start fresh. I had distanced myself from the friends I had. One night in 2013 I was pretty bored and kinda lonely and that’s when I discovered Youtube. Youtube was something amazing, something I’d never seen. In 2013, my mom gave me an eyeshadow palette as a Christmas present and from that day on, makeup became a hobby and then my job.
How long did it take you to start doing other people’s makeup?
It took me less than a year to start doing freelance. The first time I did someone’s makeup was Halloween 2014, a few of my old high school friends saw my makeup photos and decided to book me for appointments. At first I was pretty scared, just like anybody would be. But I’ve always been someone who jumps into things. I knew that I needed to do this to see if I was really meant to be a makeup artist.
What are your favorite beauty products and why?
My favorite beauty products have to be my Colourpop highlighter in Wisp. It’s this beautiful golden champagne color and is gorgeous. I also love drugstore makeup. My favorite drugstore foundation is L’oreal’s Infallilble Pro Matte; It’s great for oily skin and for girls with yellow undertones in their skin. I also love the L.A Girl Pro Concealers and Correctors. Their correcting concealers are amazing to conceal any dark circles and acne scars, and they’re super affordable.
What do you pride yourself on as a MUA?
I pride myself on being different. I never like to do what everyone else is doing. I don’t follow trends, I love doing my own thing.
What sets you apart from other artists?
What sets me apart is how I treat my followers. I love doing daily mini snapchat tutorials. I love helping everyone out even if it means helping them practice their eyeshadow or how to apply their false lashes. At the end of the day I hope they learn at least one thing from me.
Where do you see yourself in the next few years?
I don’t know where I’ll be in the next 10 years, but I hope it’s somewhere I can look back and be proud of. I’d want to still be doing Youtube. Maybe do a collaboration with a company. My goal is to inspire and motivate others to chase their dreams.
How long did it take for you to become confident in your skills?
I was born confident. I’m kidding! I’d say that it probably took me a year to be confident in my work. I practiced every day for three years, so I knew that every day I was getting better. Being on social media makes it easy to constantly compare yourself to everyone, but one day I woke up and I told myself that nobody is you but yourself. I think that’s what makes you confident. Accepting yourself.
Why did you recently start a YouTube Channel & what are your goals for your channels?
I started my Youtube channel because I would get questions all the time and I always wanted to do videos but I didn’t have the equipment. So for my 24th birthday I decided to record a mini tutorial on how I did my eye makeup and everyone loved it, so I kept doing them.
What company would you like to collaborate with in the future and why?
I would love to collaborate with an affordable makeup company because I know how expensive makeup can be. I want everyone to know that you don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on makeup to do a really amazing look. As for companies, I’d definitely love to work with Anastasia, Lilly Lashes, and a lipstick company. I love me some beautiful dramatic lashes and a good liquid lipstick.
Do you have any goals outside of your makeup career?
My goals outside makeup are to live a happy life. I know that sounds pretty corny, but who doesn’t want happiness?
What motivates you to keep going during difficult situations?
When I’m going through hard situations I like to remind myself that bad moments are only temporary. I keep going because of my mom, brother, and my followers. I want to inspire my followers to be strong! There have been a lot of times in my last few years where I was given impossible situations, but if you’re strong you can get through anything!
What’s something about you that many don’t know?
I was homeschooled when I was younger in Honduras by my mom. I also love to cook. I can cook anything, but don’t ask me to bake because I’ll burn it.
What tips do you have for young women interested in becoming a MUA?
The two most important tips I can give anyone is to never compare their work to anyone else. If you want to succeed as a makeup artist, you have to work hard. Practice as much as you can. When I started I practiced everyday for three years. At the end of the day if you don’t like it you can wipe it off. It’s only makeup.
What would you like your supporters to take from this interview?
I want my followers to always follow their dreams! No matter where you’re from, your financial situation, or the color of your skin, you can be anything. You can be anything you want to be. Work hard and great things will happen!
