Local businesswoman Jess Chapman began her career working within a family owned and operated insurance brokerage, before realising she wanted to start her own business in a completely different field.

“I was actually studying and planning further education to be a broker,” Jess said.

“But I have always been interested in makeup artistry and hair and was an avid fashion magazine collector, so instead I explored my options and decided to branch out and embrace my passion.”

In 2010 Jess launched Jess Chapman MakeUp Artist and since then has seen success, being published in Australia and overseas, as well as working on Mercedes Benz Fashion Week and 30 Days of Fashion and Beauty. She also recently won the Beauty Editorial Inspired Category from the Face2face awards at the Sydney International Spa & Beauty Expo.

Like any other small business, Jess faces the challenge of advertising her services on a tight budget.

“Much of my client base has been built through word-of-mouth, however social media is extremely important to my business and ties everything together,” Jess said.

“I spend time cultivating relationships on my Facebook business page and via my Instagram and Pinterest accounts. The visual nature of my business lends itself very well to these mediums.”

Jess is also a member of a local BNI group and undertakes occasional advertising in targeted industries, such as bridal magazines.

The most challenging aspect for Jess is to find a steady work/life balance.

“It’s quite hard to juggle work/life balance with my varied hours, regardless I ensure I have one day off a week, as my sanity is vital! It’s not sensible to work two weeks straight.”

“My husband and I sit down and set a weekend each month to spend with each other as he also has his own business and family time is a must.”

With ambition, drive and inspiration, Jess updates herself on up and coming trends, new and noteworthy products, and surrounds herself with like minded professionals.

She is steadily building up a reputation for high detail and creativity, with an ability to enhance the natural beauty of a face. 

Working on various projects like weddings and fashion shows, advertising and campaigns, Jess is constantly applying her talent and knowledge and is an emerging artist in her industry.