Influential Woman · Beauty
Jane Rodriguez
Makeup Artist, --
New York, NY
Her Story
About Jane
Jane Rodriguez is a makeup artist with 23 years of experience in the beauty industry. She began her career in cosmetic retail at MAC Cosmetics, working in both the Miami and New York markets for a total of eight years. After deciding she was ready to pursue her own path, she transitioned to freelance makeup services approximately nine years ago and continues to operate from her base in New York City. In her daily work, Rodriguez prepares by reviewing her schedule, sanitizing her kit, and arriving early to appointments. She listens closely to client needs, customizes looks efficiently (often completing makeup including lashes in 45 minutes), and focuses on delivering an experience that exceeds expectations. She values compassion, sympathy, and empathy in her interactions, aiming to understand each client's needs and build trust through attentive listening. Rodriguez attributes her professional success to her daughter, whose presence has pushed her to be more creative, strategic, and solution-oriented without overthinking. Among her notable achievements, she was entrusted with hiring an additional artist for a high-profile Investor's Day event for Match.com, successfully coordinating the team to deliver quality results under time constraints. She advises aspiring makeup artists to start in retail for foundational education, conduct their own training due to limited retailer support, evaluate their personal style intentionally, and prioritize efficiency and timing.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jane
01What do you attribute your success to?
My daughter pushes me to work harder and smarter. Being a single mom forces me to be creative, strategic, and find solutions quickly without overthinking. She makes me show up for myself and my clients every day.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Show up. Show up at everything in your life no matter the challenge you gotta face it. Everything is temporary but showing up for myself my daughter and my clients is key.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Start in makeup retail to educate yourself. Do your own homework and push yourself intentionally. Be very intentional about where in the industry you want to be and evaluate your makeup style. Take it upon yourself to train hardcore because training is not always available.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Oversaturation in the field. The challenge is to keep competing within myself and finding different lanes. Education and training are lacking at retailers so new artists must educate themselves. Timing and efficiency matter as clients should not wait hours.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Be compassionate sympathetic and empathetic. Understand what the client needs and make their experience better than in the past. Be the listening ear and turn on charm to build trust and comfort.
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