Jalia Pettis has made herself known as a visionary within the beauty community. When it comes to makeup, she started out teaching herself and has grown her acumen over the years. This year, her stunning collection — Lineage — won at 2022 NAHAs for Makeup Artist of the Year. She got to this point in her career through hard work and perseverance and has a gorgeous array of work alongside her many other talents to show for it. Keep reading to learn more about Jalia as an artist, how she created her style and this collection as well as what she is forecasting for the season ahead.
Tell us more about you as an artist. How did you get into makeup?
If I am honest, beauty was never something that I had a desire to get into. When I decided to begin my journey in entrepreneurship I managed talent, most of the talent were African American men and women. The number one complaint of the women was that they couldn’t find anyone to do their hair or makeup. I didn’t understand how that could be possible so I said don’t worry I will figure it out and that is precisely what I did. 15-years later I am here after much trial and error, but I am thankful that I have taken the time to cultivate my gift as an Artist/Stylist.
How has your style changed over the years?
When I first started in makeup artistry, I was self-taught, so I assumed that I was supposed to throw glitter and color everywhere. I had no idea about color theory, skin types or undertones. I despised doing lashes and eyebrows, those were so hard to me, and I didn’t understand symmetry. I knew that I was at a disadvantage, so I began to research other artists to try and emulate what they were doing. Then, I began researching distance-learning programs and shows where I could gain more experience. I will never forget a photographer friend who commented on a look that I did on his model during a photoshoot. He complimented how well I created a “clean look” and said I should consider that being my niche. That has stayed with me throughout my journey and has become what I am most known for, I love that someone else discovered this in me before I was aware of it! So, my style has become refined in that I know what I do well and what I prefer not to do at all which is important.
What was the inspiration behind this collection?
The collection is entitled LINEAGE and is an ode to people of color to celebrate the regality of who they are. For most of my life I have been had a front-row seat to the tug of war society has with the acceptance of people of color. People would assume that I was bi-racial because I am fairer skinned, have lighter colored eyes and my hair is curlier than coily. It is incredibly frustrating to be called “exotic” like it is supposed to be a compliment because you are unable to determine what my ethnic makeup is. This collection is an exclamation to who we are whether Asian, Latino, Native American, Polynesian, African American, or the like. We are beautiful and come in many tones, shapes, and sizes!
What was your biggest challenge in creating this collection?
The biggest challenge in creating this collection was within myself. I knew what I wanted the result to look like and I could feel myself hesitating in executing it. My, photographer Keith Bryce must have picked up on that because he told me to go for it, do more, add more. Not in an authoritative way but in a way to encourage me to push through. I greatly appreciate that because we all need those people who can push us past our own doubts and/or insecurities.
What does your collection say about trends or movements within the industry?
The trends within the industry are like a record, they spin around and around. We may see one thing one year and five years later we are revisiting it. I believe this collection is timeless! It was created in 2019 before the pandemic and now three years later the images are still relevant and tell a story. Beauty is subjective and it is up to us to set the tone in trends.
If you were to describe this collection in one word, what would it be?
LINEAGE – That is the title and that is what it represents.
Did you have any hero products? (Or any product faves!?)
Let me be clear in stating I was not, nor have I ever been sponsored by any company in creating my NAHA collections from 2017 to the present day. I used an array of products in creating this collection but if I had to choose one brand that was a continual vein within my collection it would be Graftobian. I learned about this brand within the first four years of my makeup artistry career. They have a large variety of products for any scenario within makeup. However, the color range is one reason I love it so much, they have cool, neutral and warm tones from porcelain to deep ebony.
What makeup trends can we expect to see more of this season?
The trends we will continue to see this year are bob haircuts, pink lips, graphic liner, and iridescent shades of lavender eyeshadows. The key will be moderation and understanding which of these works best for you or your clientele. All in all, fun with it!
