It has been said either take the risk or lose the chance. Our latest guest on the Red Bra Project YouTube Channel, Jessica Abreu had no interest in missing out on her chance to follow her dreams and explains to us on her episode how she went from a “safe” career as a teacher to becoming a freelance makeup artist.
This now mama of three, started her career journey as a single mom and eighth grade middle school science teacher. Jessica chose the field of education because she admits to always having a passion for teaching. For nine years she taught science and while the hours were great and the amount of time she had with her son was amazing, she knew that missing something….she wasn’t happy.
Right before starting her final year of teaching Jessica married her now husband and she became pregnant with their first daughter. Unfortunately for Jessica this was not an easy pregnancy and she became very sick which required her to have multiple visits to the hospital. One day while teaching class, she almost passed out while she was with her students. It was clear this was not the environment she needed to be in to have a successful pregnancy and as a result her doctor put her on leave to ensure the baby would be delivered healthy; this was two months prior to her delivery!!! It was then that Jessica realized that she really did not want to be a school teacher anymore. Not only that, but she decided that she wanted to be her own boss.
When asked by us how she focused on leaving her career and drowning out the negative speak around her about this being a mistake, she admits to being stubborn, but we like to think of her as determined. 🙂 Jessica shared that when she puts her mind towards something, that’s it….it gets done! She doesn’t give fear a chance. She went on to shares that she read Mel Robbins book “The 5 second Rule” a few years back and now whenever she starts feeling herself doubt something then she stops, counts down from 5 and does the thing she was “afraid” of. Fear ruins dreams and learning how to push forward and to stop being afraid of being amazing takes time. We have to stop worrying if someone will say no.
As mentioned above, Jessica is now a freelance makeup artist specializing in creating custom foundations, makeup classes and event makeup. This career change allowed her the opportunity to be able to stay home with her three beautiful kiddos. She now teaches women how to feel beautiful through makeup, but really focuses on feeling good from the inside out. Her mission is to empower women through beauty, wellness, and entrepreneurship. Jessica believes that every is woman is beautiful, has a strong voice, and the ability to create a lifestyle that allows them to pursue their passions! She enjoys finding a feature that her clients love and then taking it to the next step and enhancing that feature. She loves that she still gets to teach, but in a very different way. Jessica took the risk and now has created a career for herself that enables her to be exactly who she felt the most comfortable being. She didn’t fit the mold to have a traditional career, so creating one for herself and helping others do it is so rewarding for her.
Her makeup line is special just like her. Jessica was diagnosed with Celiac Disease several years ago. If you are not aware Celiac disease is an immune disease in which people can’t eat gluten because it will damage their small intestine. Well unfortunately for Jessica not only did her diet have to change, but so did her makeup. She shared there was even a period of time where she couldn’t wear makeup because everything had gluten in it. She now works with Motives Cosmetics whose products are hypoallergenic and gluten free for those with a sensitivity to gluten that often have difficulty finding products. Through her work with Motives, Jessica designs custom blend foundations that are very healthy for skin. This line of products she shares, was originally made for burn victims. The blends not only covered up their burns, but soothed the skin as well. Jessica’s products are made with those who have extremely sensitive skin or other health concerns in mind.
Jessica loves being able to connect with other strong, entrepreneurial women whose mission and vision she supports. She mentioned to us that strength that comes from supporting, empowering and motivating others drives her. Through these connections, she has been able to work with some non-profits and help them fundraise for their programs. Jessica states that having the ability to give back and provide support has been a gift. Showing her children that passion, hard work, drive, commitment, and consistency are essential to create the life they want to have. She loves that her daughters see her working hard, but still be able to be home with them! In addition, her son is learning from her too. He sees that education is important, but also having a passion for what you are doing and being able to work for yourself will create the life he wants later on.
Motivating women excites her too. In her interview with us it is clear that she gets inspired through the stories her clients share with her while she is applying their makeup, teaching them how to do it, or creating their foundation. Learning their struggles and how they have overcome them, or being able to offer some help motivates her to continue my journey. She feels like every day she is forever learning and teaching and that is exciting!
Jessica’s believes her Red Bra Moment was this career jump. Quitting her full time job and deciding that she was going to build her own business. Having the strength and willpower to push through setbacks and finding her circle of people who love, support and motivate her and that she can support right back gives her so much joy!
To learn more about the AMAZING Jessica Abreu catch her YouTube Episode with us on The Red Bra Project YouTube channel. You can follow her on social media at @jessicalynnabreu on Instagram, Facebook.com/makeupbyjessabreu or her blog at livealimitlesslifestyle.wordpress.com.
Please share if this story inspired you or someone you know on some level, we know it did us.
Always wear that red bra underneath it all, especially in those risk taking moments and make sure to join the party over @theredbraproject! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for all show reminders and to catch the replays. We feature a variety of stories from incredible women all over the globe, supporting, connecting and empowering one another through our daily life challenges, successes and journeys.
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Xx,
Shawna & Renee
