Her vocation is helping women look their best, but makeup artist Jackie Merlau knows that real loveliness radiates from within.
“True beauty comes from the heart,” says Merlau, who has been working as a makeup professional for 13 years. “It is how you treat others. Always choose to be kind!”
An in-demand artist based in Biloxi, Merlau calls her foray into the field “a complete accident.” While a film student at the Columbia College of Chicago, she took a stage makeup class as an elective.
“This was before YouTube or Instagram, so at the time, I really had no idea that being a makeup artist was a career option,” Merlau says. “Once I started playing in the special effects makeup on film shoots, I found joy in the artistry. I really enjoyed being a part of a big team and telling a story.”
During those early days, Merlau had a memorable conversation with her mom, during which she asked, “How am I helping people? How am I making a difference in peoples lives?”
“I knew I wanted to find a bigger purpose for my artistry,” she recalls. “Through many different avenues and obstacles, I started doing bridal makeup, and it just naturally grew into a new passion.”
Throughout the year, Merlau offers personal makeup application for clients, as well as lessons and classes. Bridal makeup has become Merlau’s most sought-after service, and she spends many Saturdays preparing brides and their wedding parties for the big event.
“It’s such a fun and happy atmosphere, and I love providing the luxury of makeup for such an important day!” she says.
Merlau says she has found fulfillment in helping women feel beautiful when they are at their lowest point. Inspiring confidence in her clients, some of whom have endured great suffering, has made her career all the more meaningful.
“I’ve worked with women my age or younger who have fought for our country and, as a result, have permanent skin damage from chemical burns. I have worked with women who have lost all their hair to chemo,” she said. “It’s through these interactions and moments that I have found the true and pure beauty of what I do.”
Given the increasing demand for her expertise, Merlau said it would be nice to have a team of artists to help her keep up. She also wants to continue growing personally as an artist through education and training.
While she travels part time to LA, and also goes to New Orleans and Mobile often, Merlau has a firm footing in the Mississippi Gulf Coast — where she returned after nine years away.
“The supportive community of vendors and artists is rare,” she said of the local area. “We all want to see each other grow and succeed — and with so much going on in our community, there is room for everyone to do what they love and flourish at it.”
Although Merlau once assumed she would be working for someone as a makeup artist, rather than having her own business, J. Merlau Makeup, LLC, became official in January of 2018. Besides her strong work ethic, skill and punctuality, the makeup artist offers clients a “judgment-free zone.” Women come to her with complaints about their appearance, which Merlau says breaks her heart.
“Every woman has beauty, and I am there to help you see that, feel that and enhance what already exists,” she adds. “So don’t stress about your skin or features or apologize for anything. YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!”
FIND JACKIE
827 Howard Ave., Biloxi
(228) 238-9222
Makeup is by appointment only.
Emails and phone calls are answered Monday- Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Instagram: @jmerlaumakeup
Facebook: J. Merlau Makeup, LLC
Jmerlaumakeup.com