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

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve been a Freelance Makeup artist for almost 18 years, and a Certified Nutritional Aesthetics Practitioner (and a health coach :)) for the last 3 years. I have always connected the internal workings of the body to skin and beauty, so having these additional credentials have set me apart in ways that I think are unique.

The more people are learning about their skin and how it’s directly connected to their health is incredibly inspiring and exciting! I look forward to sharing skin consultations with clients to help them unveil some of the unique and maybe unsuspecting reasons behind why their skin may be feeling a certain way. Having always noticed the intricacies and nuances of how I live vs how my skin feels, looks and ages, it’s incredibly refreshing to see that more people are tuning in.

I just love being able to help people feel their best– whether that’s through a skin consultation or a makeup application, I really enjoy educating others while de-mystifying the process.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh my gosh- Chicago is a mecca of fabulous food and drinks! Head to my neighborhood of Logan Square for some of my staple places to eat: Mi Tocaya, Lula, Middlebrow and Honey Butter Fried Chicken! Stay in the neighborhood for drinks at Estereo, Quality Time and Billy Sunday.

Explore downtown with the Chicago Architectural boat tour (the best way to tour the city!). Check out the free concert series in Millennium park and then head over to Cindy’s rooftop for a cocktail and a fabulous view overlooking Millennium/Grant Park.

Don’t forget about the North and South Sides of the city! Both have beautiful architecture and fabulous little gems of restaurants and bars. North in Andersonville you must stop by Lost Larson for some delish pastries and coffee. Down in Hyde Park make a reservation at Virtue!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my Husband Jesse and my Framily (yes friends and family). Personal relationships are so important and having a group of people that can rally around you and support you is incredibly meaningful!

I don’t think I would be where I am without the support and encouragement from my friends/family/partner. Having them as a sounding board for my dreams, goals, ideas, and even issues has been essential to my growth and persistence. They’ve provided me a safe space to freely speak and to offer a different perspective. And of course, many of my friends are also in the industry or are also working makeup artists/skincare professionals. Having these people in my corner creates a community that I am SO grateful for! Being able to share your experience with others in the same boat, helps to get through those rough patches 🙂

Website: www.jenbrownmakeup.com

Instagram: @jenbrownmakeup.com

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/jenbrownmakeup

Other: Tik Tok @jenbrownmakeup

Image Credits
Stephanie Bassos, Tori Soper Photo, Studio Bon Bon

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.