Graduate Spotlight: Ja’Nayasia Kelly
Ja’Nayasia Kelly, originally from Jacksonville, NC, is set to graduate from Cape Fear Community College’s Esthetics program this August. Since relocating to Wilmington in 2023, she has quickly established herself in the beauty industry. Among her many accomplishments, one of the most notable is landing a hair and makeup gig with HGTV, where she collaborated with the Property Brothers and other HGTV stars.
Her skills have also attracted the attention of top beauty brands such as MAC Cosmetics, NARS, and ONE/SIZE Beauty. Recently, Salon Centric honored her with an invitation to the Essence Festival.
Curious about her journey and upcoming plans? Read her full Q&A for all the details!
Where are you from originally?
I was born and raised in Jacksonville, NC. I recently moved to Wilmington in 2023, and I’ve been in love ever since!
Why did you enroll at CFCC, and how did it align with your goals?
When I enrolled at CFCC, I did not work in TV and film. I was just doing makeup in my home. I was only going to grow in knowledge with skin and possibly open up my own suite. I never knew I’d end up where I am now.
I was the Admissions Office and Operations Manager at UNCW. I decided to take a leap of faith by leaving my job and committing to school. It was by far the scariest thing I’ve ever done, especially being a mom of a 2-year-old. Two weeks into school, I was offered a hair and makeup job with HGTV.
How did you land the opportunity to work with the Property Brothers?
I got to work with Property Brothers alongside a fellow makeup artist who recommended my work to the production manager for HGTV. They loved my work and brought me on the project. I spent a month filming in Emerald Isle with the team.
I had the pleasure of working with Property Brothers, Mika and Brian Kleinshcmdit, Jonathan Knight from New Kids on the Block, and more. My stress was super high on my first day, but we became a family after that. When you’re with each other for ten hours a day, six days a week, you don’t have a choice, haha!
Can you share some highlights of your experience at CFCC?
My experience at CFCC was challenging but worth the push through! I honestly wouldn’t have made it to the finish line had it not been for my sisters Regina, Shaniya, and Beth.
Shawn Dixon is by far one of the greatest provosts I witnessed in my years of college. He made my experience here one of the best. I believe students strive the best when they know we are with staff who genuinely care for our growth!
What are your plans post-graduation?
After graduation, I plan to be a full-time union TV and film makeup artist. Due to school, I decided to take fewer jobs to finish. I’ve worked with the mothers of Steph Curry and Shaquille O’Neal, the MLB Network, the production company for Lebron James, TV One, Netflix, HGTV, and more.
Additionally, I’ve been featured on MAC Cosmetics, NARS, and ONE/SIZE Beauty and received an invitation from Salon Centric to be their guest at the Essence Festival.
What advice would you give current students or aspiring makeup artists wanting to break into the TV industry?
My advice to any aspiring artist is never give up on yourself! Show up for yourself every day because you never know who is watching. Everyone’s moment comes at different times, so while waiting your turn, do everything to ensure you’re prepared. Build your knowledge. Step outside just “beauty/everyday makeup” and get lessons on FX makeup, aging makeup, tattoo cover-ups, and male grooming. It will get hard and discouraging sometimes, but this industry is by far the most rewarding career for creatives. You’ve got this!
Do you have any final thoughts or comments you wish to share?
I want to give a special thank you to my classmates. You ladies truly made this experience worth the ride. I love each and every one of you, and I wish you the best! To my fellow MUAs and estheticians, this is your sign to get out of your head and go for the dream you want!
