In Conversation with Jenni Shaw

Tell us about your background: 
Freelance makeup artist with 15 years of experience in NYC production (film, tv, advertising, fashion, celebrity, red carpet and runway). In 2018, I founded Shaw + Co., a boutique agency in New York representing 6 phenomenal artists. In May 2022 I started Zen Beauty, the convergence of allied therapies and makeup artistry.

What do you wish you’d known when you started out?

The power of saying no to jobs that didn’t serve me.

Best career advice you've ever received?

Have a bottom line for negotiations and be prepared to walk if it can’t be met.

What leadership qualities are important to you?

I’m a firm believer that leaders should be willing to get down in the trenches with their team. Good leaders also fuel their team members by helping them see their worth.

What has been the biggest challenge in your career so far? 

Making a name for myself in the beginning. No one will hire you if they don’t know you can be trusted. It takes years to break into NYC production circles and the only way to build the connections is to lay the foundation brick by brick with honesty and integrity.

And for fun, what is your favorite wardrobe staple?

I love an edgy boot with a flirty summer dress!

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenni-shaw-28aa098/

Website: www.jennishaw.com and www.shawplusco.com

Instagram: @jennishawmakeup