Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Jordan Briones-Schmitz of Toledo

We recently had the chance to connect with Jordan Briones-Schmitz and have shared our conversation below.

Jordan, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Outside of work, I’ve been crafting a lot more and diving into the creative side of me more than before. I am a makeup artist so that was always something I assumed was my only craft. Lately I’ve been painting, drawing, using clay and even stumbled upon junk journaling. If you don’t know what it is, it’s essentially using “junk” to glue onto pages in a journal. Whether you buy scrap paper or stickers, or cut out words/images from magazines, it’s a great therapeutic and creative outlet for me. Another favorite craft I’ve been doing is pressed flowers on vases or liquor bottles. I’ve been told I need to start selling them, so maybe that will be another small venture one day.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
For those who don’t know me or do and want to learn more, my name is Jordan Briones-Schmitz and during the week I’m a Nationally Certified Pharmacy Technician working as a Specialty Pharmacy Liaison and I am the owner of BlessTheBlend (BTB). BTB is 6 years old this year and I continue to do makeup for weddings, photo shoots and other special moments that a full glam is required. I teach makeup classes and become a personal shopper for some who want to start their own makeup kits/personal stash. BTB was founded on the idea that no one needs makeup to be beautiful, but it’s used to enhance features. I love all the connections and friendships I have gained with my clients as well as other creators.

Outside of all of that, I’m a dog mom to two German Shepherds, Zeus and Maizey. I really enjoy all things spooky and Halloween is my favorite day of the year! I also have an incredible husband who supports my Home Goods Halloween shopping addiction and shares the love with me for all things spooky. I’m very much a person who also loves all the little things life has to offer like the smell of grass, fresh rain and pickles. Those who know me, know the love for pickles runs deep.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
I have always been the rock for everyone. As a kid, as a teenager, as a young adult and now in my final year in my 20’s, I realized I no longer need to be. I will always be a rock for the people closest to me, however being a rock for people who don’t reciprocate to me, that part of me I’m finally releasing. There was so much weight I’ve carried for so many, and I was left with my cup empty while I poured everything I had into theirs. I have learned that I deserve to receive everything I give out.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
To accept people and situations for what/who they are and the outcomes are not your fault. I think we all have things we would love to say to our younger self and most if not all of us as adults still protect their inner child everyday. I’d also tell my younger self to never expect you from others. Never expect anyone else to think or do as you would. I of course would say all the cliche things to my younger self, like be kind, go to school, be patient and it’ll all come in time. If you don’t know what it is, there was a trend on TikTok this year and it was “I met my younger self for coffee.” I strongly urge everyone to look it up. It was something therapeutic to make my own but seeing the growth from so many others and what they would say to their younger selves was emotionally beautiful.

Here is an inside look of part of mine:

I met my younger self for coffee one day.
She ordered a white chocolate mocha.
I ordered a vanilla latte.
She told me she feels behind.
I told her we graduated college.
She told me she was battling depression and anxiety.
I told her not to be ashamed of it.
She told me she was scared to open her heart up again.
I told her we are married to the man of our dreams.
She told me she wanted to be a makeup artist.
I told her “We did it.”

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
I try to always be the truest person I can in person and online. Remaining professional as well is always a huge thing for me to uphold. I think there is a line that shouldn’t be crossed when you’re in the public eye or a business owner. Personality wise, the public and private version of me are mostly the same. My clients are choosing me for not only my work but for me as well. I’d say there are some things I don’t express or share because not everyone needs to know everything. I really do adjust to my clients needs and be who they need me to be. One client might be super down and quiet and I also adjust myself to be a little more quiet. If a client is very talkative or just needs someone to talk to, I become their therapist for 45-60 minutes. I do that already in my personal life as well, so that’s also something that stays the same.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
Everyone always asks what you want to be when you grow up. Usually if you ask a kid it’s a teacher, a rockstar, a doctor or they want to do something they see their parents do. Sometimes people are so passionate from the minute they make that decision at such a young and they pursue that career. I can’t remember if I ever did have something I wanted to be when I grew up. Probably something completely off the wall or I didn’t really have something in mind. It wasn’t until I got older that I realized I wanted to help people and potentially be a nurse practitioner. I soon learned I have a weak stomach but I still had the heart and motivation to help people in someway shape or form. I stumbled on pharmacy and from there I really fell in love with it and the aspects of it. I learn new things everyday now and helping people obtain their medications they need to essentially live, or be pain free, fills my cup daily. I think truly, I was born to do everything I am doing in the medical world and beauty industry. I was always a creative person also and when I started diving into makeup for myself, I realized I was actually kind of good at it. I wanted everyone to feel as good as I felt all the time. So I took a leap back in 2019 and I’m so happy I did. It’s such a powerful feeling to help others feel beautiful and comfortable in their own skin. I have helped so many people fall in love with themselves again and that also leaves me knowing I found something I was born to do. Overall, I think God gave me the heart, desire, and love to serve others in different areas of my life in different ways. I’m truly excited and grateful to be doing the things I love everyday.

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Image Credits
Golden Ray Photography