Today we’d like to introduce you to Justine Malo.
Justine, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve always loved beauty, art, and anything that allowed me to be creative. Growing up, I was always the girl doing everyone’s hair and makeup for proms, homecomings, special events, or even just for fun when friends came over.
In my twenties, I began struggling with adult acne after having clear skin most of my life. I became very self-conscious and wanted to learn how to camouflage it, but that curiosity quickly grew into something much bigger. I started studying different face and eye shapes, highlighting, contouring, and how makeup could be customized to enhance each person’s individual features. As a stay-at-home mom, I would practice in my bedroom, teaching myself and developing my artistry.
After having my second child, I decided to take that passion further and attended Paul Mitchell School in Birmingham, Alabama. That’s where I truly fell in love with the beauty industry as a whole.
Today, my work is very intuitive and personal. I pay attention not only to my guest’s features and preferences, but also to their personality and the way they want to feel.
Beauty can influence your mood, your confidence, and how you carry yourself. Sometimes I’ll notice a little bit of spice in someone and encourage them to try something they may not have considered before. We can always take it away if it doesn’t feel right, but there’s something exciting about discovering a new side of yourself.
To me, beauty isn’t about following one standard. It’s about creating something that feels authentic to the individual wearing it.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
You know, with anything that’s worth your passion is never going to be a smooth road.
Am I where I want to be yet? No, definitely not. I’m still paving my way into the future. I did get a later start in life due to being a mom early and moving around to different states and locations. Building my brand from the ground up up many times. So it hasn’t been the most smooth road, but it’s been worth it.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a makeup artist and hairstylist specializing in creative, editorial, and personalized beauty.
I’m most proud of the artistry I’ve created and the incredible opportunities it has brought my way. I’m a 6 time Behind the Chair Awards nominee, with four Top 50 placements in editorial makeup. One of which advanced to the Top 25. As well as a Top 100 placement in platinum hair. Being recognized by such a respected, worldwide platform in the hair industry has been an incredible honor.
Another full circle moment was having the opportunity to work with recording artist Daya. I was incredibly nervous, but we worked beautifully together, and it became an experience I’ll always be proud of.
What sets me apart is that creativity never scares me. No look is too bold, too different, or outside the box. At the same time, I never assume someone wants to stay with what they’ve always done just because they’re normally more conservative. If a guest comes to me and says, “I’m having a wild hair I want something new,” I’m ready to explore that with them. People are allowed to change their minds, reinvent themselves, and discover new sides of their style. I never want to become so comfortable in this industry that I stop evolving. I want my work to remain personal, fearless, and always moving forward.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Coming from humble beginnings, growing up with a single mom of 3 in a singlewide trailer. I’m thankful for those early years and lessons that taught me how to just keep going. I was always the kid with a smile on my face and goofy. I loved to laugh and joke. Still do.
I was always creative, whether I was making art or singing. Funny enough, I was convinced I would grow up to be a singer! Looking back, I think what drew me to singing is the same thing that draws me to beauty today: the ability to connect with people, make them feel something, and leave a meaningful impact. The creative outlet may have changed, but that part of me never did.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justinejettahope?stkn=czJlc2dpeGFrNThl
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1HaYNsgrjf/
