Inspiring Conversations with Mariah Joy of Blush by Joy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mariah Joy. 

Hi Mariah, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey to becoming a makeup artist is filled with random moments that meant everything. I can remember as far back as 3 or 4 years old and sitting in the bathroom watching my mom put on lipstick. I was so mesmerized by it and I was extremely elated when she asked me if I wanted to wear some too! I can remember putting it on and my mom telling me to rub my lips together and make a “pop” noise to smooth the lipstick out. Every detail about the process, especially how it made me feel, has stuck with me all of these years. It wasn’t until 13 or 14 years later when another random moment happened. Little did I know that rummaging around in my grandmother’s medicine cabinet would lead to me finding the very first makeup product that I added to my personal makeup kit. The CoverGirl pressed powder foundation- I wore it every day for years. It is still my holy grail powder foundation down to this day. When I was 19, my sister brought home an Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow palate and I fell in love all over again! Eyebrows became my obsession for the next 6 years. I became all of my friends dedicated, “brow girl”. Then, came my discovery of eyeshadow and the artistic floodgates opened. 

My father is an artist. I have always felt like him and I are kindred spirits and I adore him. Which is why it makes me feel so honored that I received his gift of artistic inclination. It was my perceptive husband that realized that makeup had become my artistic expression like poetry, pottery and sculpting had been for me previously. Coming to this realization made me fall deeper in love with makeup. This love of artistic expression is what continually drives me. 

As I progressed in my makeup skills people started to take notice. They would complement me and often and follow up with “can you do my makeup?”. Lacking confidence in my skills, many times I would decline. However, after constant encouragement from my husband and friends, I decided to take the leap into becoming a makeup artist. 

First, came LOTS of research and what I like to call “YouTube University”. Then, the trial-and-error phase which included lots of practice and building my confidence. All of this led to the golden moment of booking and servicing my first bridal party. Soon after that things really started moving forward for me. I started getting noticed by other artists and more clients and people were loving what I was creating. This led me to being noticed by The Le Reve Makeup and Hair team. When I got the message that they were interested in adding me to their team, I screamed at the top of my lungs and called my husband and my close friend immediately! I told them, “This, right here, is what will change the game for me!” 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Nothing good comes easy, and there is nothing easy about becoming a makeup artist!

I’ve always been a very confident person. However, factors such as comparison, public scrutiny, and judgment all can cause a fledgling, self-taught artist to second-guess themselves. Learning to navigate the beauty industry on your own is a daunting task. Thankfully, because of the support of my husband and encouragement from my friends I did not give up. Eventually, I found a network of beauty industry professionals willing to help!

Another challenge of starting a makeup business is the cost! The overhead cost that makeup artists incur is massive, especially when starting out! This is definitely something to consider for those desiring to venture into this field. I can’t lie though, shopping for makeup is definitely fun!

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I am a bridal makeup artist that specializes in what I like to call “soft and pretty, natural makeup”. I have a true passion for making women feel beautiful in their skin.

I aim to prove that all women are versatile in beauty and capable of rocking any style of makeup they choose. Whether it’s high glam, bare skin, soft and natural, or anything in between.

I love that I am in a position to do makeup on people of all colors. One of the things that drives me is the satisfaction that I am able to make someone feel beautiful in their own skin by simply enhancing what God has already blessed them with.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
A rule of thumb that my sister taught me for trend prediction is, “just watch Rihanna”! In connection with that- slim eyebrows are on the rise! I also really hope to see beauty brands lean more into multipurpose products; it makes life so much easier!

Contact Info:

• Email: blush.by.joy@gmail.com
• Website: https://findyourenvy.com/BlushByJoy
• Instagram: @blushbyjoy
• Other: https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPdUWwXRy/ 

Image Credits
Sarai Brooks
Austin Pace
Morgan Miller
Nia Cherise
Megan Freeman
Samantha Rothe
Desiree Strothers
Le Reve Chateau