Today we’d like to introduce you to Najah Johnson
Hi Najah, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have been a makeup artist in the greater Cincinnati area for 14 years. I have been full time for eight years. I began on the fashion side of the industry. I had my first small studio in the Reading Bridal District for a short time and began to attract bridal clientele. This initiated my journey into the bridal industry. I have been a bridal beauty vendor for 10 years. I have worked with many different families, ethnicities and more. I have published work in bridal magazines, worked bridal fashion shows and I have participated me many different bridal shows showcasing my work. As my career grew in many different areas, I began working with strong business leaders across many industries. I decided to be a mobile based business because I began to meet the demand of my clients and travel to them. As time went on, I began to work with companies and agencies such as P&G, Fifth Third Bank, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, and others. This was the start my corporate career as a professional makeup artist. I also started working production and tv/film which is where I am currently growing in. Through the years I have had the honor of being a part of many journeys and stories. There have been people that have took a chance on me, mentored me and opened doors for me. It has been God, my faithful clientele, and dedication that has gotten me to where I am today.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has been far from smooth. I have had many ups and downs, and I still have them. I have experienced financial gaps, growing my clientele, learning how to run a business, my personal healing journey, having a baby/recovering and the growing pains of life. I always say, “it is a journey.” Cincinnati can be a challenging region for beauty arts. I have had to plow a way and create a need for the service I provide. All of the struggles and challenges reflect the gift that I have and how I choose to serve others with it. All of the hard stuff makes it a beautiful journey in hindsight. The struggles are a part of the process.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a professional makeup artist. I am known currently for providing makeup services. I am most proud of my journey as a whole. I get to work with executive leaders, c-suite leaders, politicians, people celebrating birthdays, brides getting married, and everyday people. I get to hear people’s stories and be a part of their most memorable occasions. I get to be a part of cool projects like the “Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame”. I get to work with leaders who are making great contributions to the community at the Urban League of Greater Cincinnati and YWCA Cincinnati. I have worked with Stellar TV (producers of the Stellar Awards) producing their historic series, Black History Honors. Over the years I’ve serviced over 300 brides, and I have grown and continue to grow my clientele. I have grown to have clients across the state. What sets me apart from others is the barriers I’ve broken in coming out of the traditional salon setting. Working on sets, finding a space in the corporate/production world sets me apart in the industry.
What’s next?
My plans for the future are to work on more film projects, write books and to continue teaching beauty education classes. I plan to eventually build a team, become an agency one stop shop for beauty needs in Cincinnati across all industries. I am looking forward to growing and expanding. I am looking forward to my daughter being a part of my journey.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @najahmakeup
- Facebook: The Najah J, Beauty Company
