How I Transitioned to Full-Time Bridal Makeup Artist
Life has a way of testing our resilience in ways we never expect. My journey to becoming a full-time bridal makeup artist didn’t start in a studio surrounded by beauty products—it began in a sterile NICU room, under the glow of hospital monitors and the hum of ventilators.
This isn’t just a story about building a business. It’s about turning unimaginable pain into purpose and discovering that sometimes, the perfect moment never comes—you just have to start.
A Story of Loss and Hope
My daughter was born with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH)—a rare and life-threatening condition. But this wasn’t my first time hearing those devastating words. Years before, my son was born with the same condition. Despite every effort, we lost him in that same hospital.
Walking those NICU hallways again felt like reliving my worst nightmare. The smell of antiseptic, the rhythmic beeping of machines, the weight of hope mixed with fear—it was all too familiar. But this time, I refused to let history repeat itself.
I wasn’t going to lose her.
Balancing Corporate Life and Motherhood in the NICU
At that time, I had been working in corporate for over five years—a job I was incredibly grateful for. When my daughter was admitted to the hospital, my manager and team showed me so much grace. They allowed me to temporarily transfer to their Houston office, giving me the flexibility to stay close to her.
After my six-week maternity leave, still healing from my C-section, I went back to work. My husband had stayed with me those first six weeks, but eventually, he had to return to Dallas for his job.
During those weeks in Houston, my days became a routine:
- Mornings by my daughter’s side in the NICU.
- Afternoons at the office.
- Lunchtimes running back to check on her.
- Evenings sitting by her crib, praying, hoping, and holding on.
She was still on a ventilator, and every time I had to leave her side, it felt like leaving a piece of myself behind.
My Refuge in the Storm
During this time, Ronald McDonald House became my refuge.
Because we didn’t live in Houston, we had no place to stay. Ronald McDonald House provided us with more than just shelter—it gave us a lifeline during one of the hardest seasons of our lives.
They provided a safe and comfortable place to stay.
️ They offered meals, which took away the stress of worrying about food every day.
They even provided shuttle transportation back and forth to the hospital, ensuring I could see my daughter without the burden of logistics.
I didn’t have any family or friends nearby. I was alone in many ways, still healing from my C-section, carrying the weight of fear and exhaustion. But Ronald McDonald House became a space where I could rest, regroup, and find moments of peace amidst the chaos.
Even with this support, the loneliness was overwhelming at times. Healing physically while trying to stay mentally and emotionally strong felt impossible some days. But every morning, I reminded myself:
She’s still fighting. So I will too.
Realizing There’s Never a Perfect Time
Before my daughter was born, I had been doing bridal makeup part-time. But like most artists, I had paused everything when life became overwhelming.
However, in those quiet hospital hallways, a spark reignited in me. I realized:
- There’s never going to be a perfect time.
- The “right moment” doesn’t exist.
- The only way forward is to start—right where you are, with what you have.
So, I made a plan. Bridal bookings are scheduled months in advance, which gave me structure and clarity.
The Hardest Season of My Life
I started booking bridal clients months in advance, creating a clear plan for my transition. On weekends, I traveled back to Dallas to work weddings, and during the week, I was back in Houston by my daughter’s side.
Those Megabus rides between cities were grueling. I’d fight exhaustion, push through doubts, and keep showing up because I knew every booking was a step closer to the life I wanted for my family.
During the weekdays, my husband worked tirelessly in Dallas, and on weekends, he’d travel back to Houston to support me and take care of our daughter.
For two months, we lived in this rhythm—sacrificing sleep, comfort, and energy. But every sacrifice was worth it.
The Moment Everything Changed
When my daughter was finally strong enough to leave the NICU and come home, I was ready.
- ✅ Ready to quit my corporate job.
- ✅ Ready to step fully into my bridal makeup business.
- ✅ Ready to create a life of freedom, purpose, and joy.
Looking back, I realize:
There’s NEVER a perfect time to chase your dreams. You have to jump while the storm is still raging.
For Makeup Artists Who Are Afraid to Go Full-Time
If you’re a makeup artist juggling your passion on the side, scared to take the leap into full-time, I want you to know this:
I see you. I was you.
I understand the fear, the uncertainty, the hesitation. But here’s the truth:
- The life you want isn’t waiting at the end of a perfect path.
- It’s waiting at the end of a decision.
You don’t need the perfect timing. You just need:
- A plan
- A vision
- The courage to start
Your Dreams Are Worth Fighting For
My story isn’t just about surviving one of the hardest seasons of my life—it’s about choosing to build a life of freedom and joy despite the chaos.
If you’re reading this and you feel stuck, scared, or unsure, know this:
You are capable. You are resilient. And you can build the life you dream of.
Let’s Build Your Plan Together
If my story resonates with you, and you’re ready to take the leap into full-time bridal artistry, let’s connect.
DM me on Instagram or reach out through my website www.jtorryart.com
Together, let’s build your plan, create momentum, and turn your dreams into reality.
Because if I can do it in the middle of the hardest storm of my life… so can you.
