Today we’d like to introduce you to Joena (Joe) Drummond.
Joena” (Joe), we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
In 2018, I was working as a full time employee for a large corporation, a part time bartender/server in the Nashville Night Life, all while attending Tennessee State University as a full time nontraditional student. I was overworked, underappreciated, and tired. So I did some soul searching, “what can I do to get me thru this last year of school?” It didn’t take long before “MAKEUP!” came to me. It was something that I was very interested in, knew a little about, and had great market opportunity at the time (All in all it was strategic). So I got to it! I overdosed on how to youtube videos, harassed the whos who of instafamous MUAs, and took my first Pro MUA course with a celebrity MUA in Atlanta, GA. I practiced daily, on myself, friends, family, whoever would let me. After a few months of this I felt ready, so I found a suite and posted myself as a makeup artist (MUA) just in time for TSU 2018 Homecoming. I received two deposit ready clients my first day listed. My confidence was through the roof. I hadn’t experienced that feeling before, and didn’t want it to stop. The remainder of 2018 was mostly ground work more classes, a part time gig with MAC, a lot of promo services (free) simply to put myself out there. & then something clicked in 2019 I noticed a steady growth in my clientele, growth in my income, and this increase continued. It was a part of my “strategy” to do makeup until I graduated in May 2019, but unbeknownst to me, I would have the clientele to attend to, a new passion, and a personal goal to grow this “little hustle” I had started so I did.
After graduation, I kept at it. I created a lash brand to pair with my makeup services, Pretty Girl Lash Collection. In 2020, I moved into my very own salon, PG Vanity Room. When I made this move, this leap of faith I was blessed exponentially, the exposure, the growth clientele, new financial highs. And that was just the beginning. By the end of the year, I was fully staffed with a team of God Sends that consists of MUA’s, lash techs, and a certified professional aesthetician. With every chance that I’ve taken on myself, the reward of support and growth has been amazing.
I did not know at first that this was not just me acting on a strategy, but instead an act of God. Myself, my business, and my team are so blessed.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been the smoothest road. My first year was full of doubt, no’s, and dissatisfaction. I left jobs that I did very well at and became the underdog, a true student of the game, & then just when I thought I was getting the hang of things 2020 Covid-19 Lockdown! I thought the Covid Lockdown was going to be the end of Pretty Girl Makeup Artistry. But in actuality, it was just the beginning. Being humbled and forced to sit down & think outside of the box, allowed me to build up a hunger & made me stronger than ever. I created a plan, I rebranded the brand, and took things to the next level. I always had an entrepreneurial spirit. But coming out of Covid 2020 I had a vengeance and point to prove. It was time to take things to the next level.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am the owner of PG Vanity Room (PG, Pretty Girl) and Lead Makeup Artist of our team of 5. The salon is a beauty bar and offers Lash Extensions, Brow Services, and of course Makeup Services.
I personally love natural and bridal glam, its where I got my start and made my staple, but as a Makeup Artist my job and goal is to enhance my clients to their liking, whatever that may be. More than a seamless foundation application, a snatched jawline, or a perfectly sculpted brow it is my mission to pour love & care into my clients by giving them an unmatched professional and quality experience.
It is my observation that black entrepreneurs, women in the beauty industry especially have a bad reputation for unprofessionalism. So, to counteract that I made my mission and differentiating factors, professionalism and customer experience.
I am most proud of my ability to uphold the standard and change the narrative by providing unmatched customer service, and seamless service.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
PG Vanity Room was started in 2018. It is a woman-owned, black-owned business. Our location is located in Downtown Nashville (near the Nashville Sounds Stadium). We are a team of 5 working in a luxury open booth style workspace. We are looking forward to growing both our team and clientele in the 2022 year and years to come. So please, look us up, reach out, or schedule us for your next glam service.
Pricing:
- New Client Special: 15% OFF with code Voyager
Contact Info:
- Website: pgvanityroom.com
- Instagram: prettygirlvanityroom
- Facebook: Pretty Girl MUA
