Meet Jami Cox | Makeup Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jami Cox and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jami, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
The idea for my business was born out of both necessity and love. I was a young, single mother with no college degree and two little boys depending on me. I didn’t have many options, and I knew I had to find a path that would allow me to build a real future for us. A close friend suggested I look into makeup school, and honestly, it felt like divine timing. I had always been obsessed with makeup—I was the girl in high school who always had her eyeliner perfect, and I learned from a young age by going with my mom to the Lancôme counter at our local mall. That’s where my fascination really started.

So, I took a leap of faith and enrolled at Make-up Designory in Burbank, California. After earning my certificates, my career slowly but surely started to blossom. Now, nearly 20 years later, I’ve built a business I’m truly proud of—especially my work in bridal artistry, which is where my heart really shines.

For me, this isn’t just about glam. It’s about connection. I form deep, personal relationships with my clients, and I’m not in this for a quick “turn and burn” experience. I pour love, care, and intention into every face I touch, and I’m honored to be part of such important, emotional, and joyful moments in people’s lives.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is rooted in connection, care, and transformation. As a makeup artist, I don’t just apply products to faces—I help people see themselves with love and confidence. I believe makeup should enhance who you are, not hide it. What sets me apart is how deeply I invest in every single client. I take time to explain the process, make sure they feel comfortable and celebrated, and create an experience that’s as meaningful as the final look. Whether it’s a bride on her wedding day or someone getting in front of the camera for the first time, I treat every face like it matters—because it does.

What I’m most proud of is how far I’ve come. I started this journey as a young, single mother with no college education and two little boys depending on me. I didn’t have many options, but I had a passion for makeup and a drive to build something meaningful—not just for myself, but for my family. I began slowly building my career, one client at a time, with love, hustle, and a whole lot of faith.

Was it easy? Absolutely not. There were plenty of moments of doubt, struggle, and exhaustion—but I kept going. I had to. I had little ones watching me, and I wanted to show them what perseverance looked like.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that authenticity and heart are everything. People remember how you made them feel. My brand is about making others feel radiant, seen, and celebrated—inside and out.

What I want the world to know about me and my business is this: I’m not here to do quick glam and move on. I’m here to form relationships, to pour into people, to be a calm, steady presence on days that matter. My work is my ministry, and every brushstroke is an act of love.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’ve always had a deep appreciation for things that are real, raw, and full of character—and that definitely shows up in how I live, what I love, and even how I approach my work. In my mid-20s, I spent a short but unforgettable time living in Hollywood, and it honestly shaped so much of who I am. I wasn’t chasing fame or anything like that—it was more about the energy, the edge, and the creativity that pulsed through every street and hidden corner.

I’ve always been drawn to the gritty charm of the unexpected. Give me a dive bar with a jukebox and a bartender who knows the regulars over a trendy rooftop lounge any day. I absolutely love hole-in-the-wall taco stands, roadside diners that have been around since the ‘50s, greasy burger joints where the fries come in paper bags—those places feel like home to me. There’s so much soul in spots like that.

Hollywood also fed my inner history nerd in the best way. I could spend hours wandering through film museums and car museums, just soaking in the nostalgia and craftsmanship. And the hikes—those beautiful, winding trails in the Hollywood Hills—were my little sanctuary. There’s nothing like a peaceful climb with city views below and sunlight breaking through the trees to make you feel grounded and inspired all at once.

All of those experiences—those little treasures, hidden gems, and moments of connection with places and people—are a huge part of what makes me me. I carry that sense of wonder, appreciation, and storytelling into everything I do, especially in my art. Life’s beauty is in the details, and I never want to miss them.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have to give the biggest, most love-filled shout-out to Renee Bowen of Renee Bowen Photography. I happened upon Renee early in my career during a photo shoot for business headshots, and little did I know that meeting would change everything. She was looking for a makeup artist for her photography business, and we instantly clicked. Renee told me she loved how I took the time to explain every part of the process to my clients, how I made sure they felt seen, comfortable, and truly cared for—and from that moment on, we were a team.

Renee has been so much more than a collaborator. She became my business mentor, my constant encourager, and honestly, over the years, she’s become like a sister to me. She set the bar high—not because it was easy, but because she believed in me and saw what I was capable of. Her support, guidance, and friendship have been absolutely instrumental in my success, and I’m forever grateful for the way she’s poured into me both personally and professionally.

I love you, Renee—thank you for being such a huge part of my journey.

Website: Jamicoxmakeup.com

Instagram: Redbettie7

Image Credits
Renee Bowen of Renee Bowen Photography