Today we’d like to introduce you to Jaycie Ganek.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I guess I would say the first time I really started doing hair and makeup was in high school for school dances. I never really thought too much of it, just that it was fun and I had a knack for it. I took a few makeup classes with the Aveda institute right after high school and did makeup at Joseph John Salon in Mt Prospect. It was just part time while I was in college. I would take on a few wedding here and there, but never really thought it was something I could do full time. I finished my bachelor’s degree at Elmhurst College in Business Art and then went right back to makeup school at Makeup First in Chicago Illinois. Once I finished and earned my state certificate, I decided I needed to see what I could do with it. I marketed myself to bridal expos, flower shops, bridal stores and photographers. (This was before Instagram and Facebook were really used for marketing or publicity.) It was hard but I stuck with it, slowly but steadily booking work. I took my business from part time to a full time job around 2009. Since then I have been lucky to find myself working on location with clients nearly 7 days a week and booking 60 weddings a year on average. I took a chance and I am so happy I did. I love working with my clients and helping people feel like the best versions of themselves.
Has it been a smooth road?
I have been so lucky to have the support of an amazing husband, family and friends. Without them I think I would have given up a long time ago. Leaving a full time, salary job with benefits and paid vacation was not easy. There were plenty of times I would look ahead in my calendar and see that I had nothing in the books. But I always had someone around me to remind me that it will be okay and things always come up last minute. Lucky for me, they’ve always been right. I would say the hardest part is the emotional roller coaster. It seems like either there is too much work and I find myself turning down amazing opportunities or there is no work and I find myself questioning why I freelance. I’ve found that staying focused and inspired is really key to being successful. Making the most of down times and appreciating the busy times.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Makeup by Jaycie – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I am a freelance company who travels on location for hair styling and makeup appointments. I specialize in bridal and corporate commercial work. I like to think I am known for really clean pretty makeup without being over the top. I love that I get to work with personal clients like my brides, their families and my special event clients. It becomes a very personal relationship. I also love working with teams to create commercial work. I think I am always most proud when I have referrals or repeat clients. Its instant gratification and a reminder that I am on the right path. In the Chicago area there are TONS of talents freelance artists so it is really hard to stand out. I think, and this sounds so cliché, but just being myself helps. I am really a people person. I love listening to my clients and finding out what it is they are really looking to get out having their makeup or hair done. I realized a long time ago that I am not an expert at reading minds, it’s all about really listening and asking the right questions in order to help others.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Chicago and the suburbs are really amazing. My most favorite thing would be the diversity we have here. People are from so many different walks of life and backgrounds who have so many different stories. Which makes me love meeting my clients even more. Everyone one brings something to the table and that is what makes Chicago so amazing. The worst part is the traffic…. and the wind. =)
Contact Info:
- Website: www.makeupbyjaycie.com
- Phone: 847-322-0911
- Email: jaycie@makeupbyjaycie.com
- Instagram: makeupbyjaycie
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/makeupbyjaycie
- Yelp: Makeup by Jaycie
Image Credit:
Amanda Megan Miller Photography
Maggie Rife Ponce
Jolie Images
Jordan Imhoff Photography
Christina Wehbe Studios
Cindy Hallam
May 8, 2017 at 7:47 pm
Jaycie, your Aunt Cindy and Uncle Bud are so incredibly proud of not only your professional accomplishments, but also of the compassionate person you have become. Keep up the amazing job; we are so proud of you!
Dawn Irelan
May 8, 2017 at 7:50 pm
Jaycie did our daughter’s entire bridal party’s (including Mother of the Bride) hair and makeup. We were so pleased with the results and her professional approach, her team and the flexibility we had working with Jaycie. We have recommended her to several brides with the confidence that she will do a fantastic job for them as well. She is great at her chosen career!!!
Kristen Almerigi
May 11, 2017 at 4:56 pm
What an amazing article! You deserve all the success in the world, you have worked so hard and it shows. So proud of you Jay!!!!