Belleboss Series : Jas Dhillon

THE 43RD INSTALMENT OF THE BELLEBOSS SERIES

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I hoped that with this series, I would find a way to appreciate the incredible South Asian women of our generation, who are breaking boundaries and paving new paths for themselves. Moreover, I would like you to take a little bit of your time to realize how incredible the women around you are.

Especially if you are a woman! I know that at least one woman’s story in my #BelleBoss series will inspire you to follow your dreams, your vision and most importantly your heart. Even if that means breaking a few rules and many societal prejudices along the way.

Could you give us an introduction to yourself?

I’m Jas, a makeup artist during the weekends and a digital marketing specialist throughout the weekdays. I’m based in London, raised by my father in a traditional Sikh family in Southall. I’m one of three children, with a younger brother and an older sister. After marrying my husband, I moved over to East London, my new home.

Could you tell us how you built your makeup career?

I’ve always had a passion for makeup.

My initial vision was to complete my GCSE’s and go on to study makeup / cosmetics. But – brown dad culture of course insisted that I’d study further and complete a degree to ensure i have something to fall back on – should I need it.

I graduated university with a 2:1 degree in Business studies – and went on to work in the city in my very first marketing role. I enjoyed my marketing career- but I always had this lingering unfulfilled feeling as I knew I still wanted to explore the makeup industry.

I decided to take part in an evening cosmetics and skincare course at a local college – this allowed me to understand different skin types, colour correcting and other fundamental makeup techniques.  After acquiring my VTCT certificate, I struggled to explore freelance as I had this huge fear of failing.

 

My family supported my passion, and this only grew when I met my partner. His entrepreneurial mind-set encouraged me to explore my potential and passion . 

It was his motivation that pushed me to take the next big steps in my life which were actually life-changing.

I went on to complete a one week course in Asian Bridal hair and makeup (whilst working a 9-5) – and after spending a week exploring the artistry I decided to take a bit of a career break to give to give this a real shot.

I built my website and social media platforms and conducted a few shoots to build a clientele.

I also went on to work for Urban Decay which built my confidence as it allowed me to work on different faces and different looks.

After working at UD for almost a year I decided to go back to a full-time marketing job as I’d built up a clientele, where the demand seemed to be for the weekend only.

Any tips for others on how to manage a full job and build a business?

Be super organised! I have 2 diaries, to ensure all booking dates are accurately logged. I also dedicate an hour a day for administrative tasks, whether that’s to reply to emails or prepare Instagram content for the day. I’m also a bit of an early riser – I like to start my workday off really early and finish as early as possible – ensuring I can get the most out of the day. 

I’m generally a really organised and structured person. I have my months / upcoming year mapped out and so far it’s worked out well for me – but this all does get a bit exhausting – that’s why getaways are essential .

What do you like to do in your free time (If you have any)?

I used to work out a lot before I started doing makeup. It’s been harder to fit the gym into my schedule – but I actively try to go where possible – even if that means waking up at 5am during the weekday.

Other than that, spending time with my family is my best and favourite past time. I have two beautiful nephews who I crave spending time with, and my husband and I love to go out on date nights as often as possible!

 

What has been the most challenging/surprising thing about running your business?

A good question! My biggest challenge was putting myself on the gram! I was SO nervous, to expose myself as a makeup artist, and just putting my actual face on Instagram because of the fear of judgement and potential failure. But after doing it a few times I realised that I won’t be able to please everyone and to just go with the flow!

The surprise factor comes from my clients, both people I haven’t met (so just on social media) and actual clients I’ve worked on.

It’s fascinating what bond you end up forming with your clients, they almost feel like family. It’s a beautiful surprise, and I’m always very grateful.

What has been the best advice given to you (personally or professionally)?

To be true to myself, and be the best person I can be and everything else will fall into place. My dad’s my advice guru. He’s really into self-development and is full of positive vibes. 

 

He’s always told me to trust in the process and to visualise where I want to be. With that being said, what’s meant to be for me – will be for me – whether that’s money, jobs, products – anything.

Professionally, I’ve been advised to not expose my entire personal life on social media . I don’t post about my family or friends on my business page as some bits of information I like to keep for myself.

What are your hopes and dreams for the future for yourself and your business?

Ultimately, I’d love to be the best at what I do. I wouldn’t compromise quality for quantity – and would always endeavour to make every single client feel incredible – no matter how successful I may become.

I want to continue building my little empire, but I also want to continue creating memories with my family – eventually having a family of my own.

The view is to establish myself -putting in all the hard graft now so that I can focus solely on my business in the future- which would sit nicely alongside my future mum/wife life.