Kentuckian Jacquelyn Abrams is a renowned permanent makeup artist. After spending a few minutes listening to her talk about her business, you understand why clients frequent her Berea business, Starry Eyes Studio, from as far as Arizona and Tennessee.
She began her career in permanent makeup in 2008 when she went to a training in permanent makeup and lashes while working in a Merle Norman. Moving on from Merle Norman, Jacquelyn has since excelled in transitioning from renting a booth at another salon to opening her own studio in Berea in 2016.
Jacquelyn is an artist, first and foremost. She loves the aesthetic part of work–highlighting her clients’ natural beauty, and describes how meaningful it is to help clients with certain medical conditions or after surgeries to feel like themselves again. She also loves the pampering side of the work with lash extensions and more. She has even started teaching her technique nationally and internationally, traveling to Japan in December 2018 to teach.
Jacquelyn is passionate about helping her clients, and in return, she has built a very loyal client base. “I see my clients every two weeks for an hour each visit….that is more than I see some of my family. I really develop a strong relationship with them and it’s important to me that clients are treated as friends, not business,” she described. As her website states, “I have laughed with my clients and I have cried with my clients, they are what motivate me to be the best I can be in this industry.” The relationships she develops with her clients shows; she is often booked up months in advance. She is honest with potential clients and lets them know if permanent makeup is not right for them due to their lifestyle (for instance if they enjoy sun tanning often). She says this is key to getting the best results.
As a small business owner, she not only serves the clients, but also manages cash flow, her website and social media (she taught herself how to create a website!). The Mountain Association is proud to work with Jacquelyn and many other Appalachians leading in their fields.
