Daily Inspiration: Meet Citria Jones-Williams

Today we’d like to introduce you to Citria Jones-Williams.

Hi Citria, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m a small-town, country girl who’s always desired more. I’m from a small community called Medoc in Enfield, North Carolina. I dreamed big growing up. I loved watching award shows and news broadcasts and looking in magazines all for makeup and fashion. Something about the beauty and art of how everything came together inspired me to see the transformation makeup, clothing, and jewelry could do was amazing me. I initially wanted to become a fashion designer and stylist. Maybe I was 10 or 11 when my aunt and an older cousin who lived next door to us would ask if certain outfits looked right and paired well. I’ve always loved these types of things. I knew this was my avenue and area of work that I loved even at a young age.

Makeup is my life; It’s my therapy; It’s my canvas. It’s my art. I used to watch my mom put on eyeshadow, black eyeliner, and lipstick and see how it shifted her entire look. I recall one morning getting ready for school, fourth grade to be exact, and I slipped her eyeliner in my pocket and put it on in school. Soon as I saw how it enhanced me, I fell in love. I began experimenting with different makeup products as most young girls do as a child, but I knew it was different for me.

I taught myself how to do makeup throughout middle and high school. In my senior pictures, I was probably the only student with a full face of makeup, and it was done by me as if a professional had done it. My friend asked me to do a “little something” one night. We were going out, and I did, and it was like a light bulb came on. I was like, “Wait, Tria, you can do makeup!”. At that moment, passion and fire came to life. I begin studying, researching, and exploring all things makeup and its application. My very first real client was in 2017.

I never knew this would be my career. In high school and after, college was my desire. I enjoyed science and always said I would get my degree in Biology to become a Pharmacist, and that’s what I went for. Fayetteville State University is where I found myself. I was a first-generation college student. Makeup was a side hustle and something I did for fun. But I knew there was more.

Between 2017 and 2022, I was a student, became a mom, and worked different jobs in retail, customer service, and as a home health aide. It wasn’t fulfilling. Around the third month of each job, I became uninterested. Right then, I knew that that wasn’t what I was supposed to do. During all the transitions and life changes, I was still doing makeup and even launched a cosmetic line, but I didn’t pursue it fully. With no professional education in this area and being completely self-taught, I knew that it was my dream to be a full-time makeup artist, and at the beginning of 2022, God told me it was time. With much prayer and instruction from God, I began walking into my dream career. I finally get to do what I love every day. Coming from a small town with few business owners, it was tough even to dream of this. Not many understood or even supported me in this. I grew up with the mentality of working for someone else to be able to have a living. There’s nothing wrong with that, but I just knew it wasn’t for me. Poverty wasn’t and isn’t for me. Being stuck in a small town wasn’t for me. Living paycheck to paycheck isn’t for me. Being my boss is for me. Doing what I love doing is for me. Having financial freedom is for me. That’s what my God has for me.

I get to do that. God has graced me to be a full-time makeup artist and beauty influencer. I have serviced over 250 clients this year; I met my business financial goal for 2022 in just June. I recently hosted a virtual class I’ve wanted to do forever. I’ve worked 7 weddings this year, with a bridal party of 15 being my largest. I create tutorials and give beauty tips to those who follow me on social media. I celebrated 5 years of being a makeup artist in June. I just launched my t-shirt collection tied to my upcoming fashion boutique. I’ve modeled for a local plus-size clothing brand recently. I get to do what I love daily. I’m leaving an inheritance and legacy for my daughters. God did this, and I’m grateful.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been a smooth road at all. It has taken some time to get here. I have two daughters who are 16 months apart; balancing caring for them, trying to finish school, working a regular job, and building a business was a lot. I’m still finding and walking in that balance. Honestly, the biggest was not believing in myself and thinking I was good or worthy enough. I didn’t think I could do any of this, and sometimes I still have that thought. With my background, no professional education in this field, and only being in my 20s, can I manage and do all this? That’s how I know I’m not operating to my strength. When I say that God is backing and carrying me in this, I mean it. No cap, as they say. Being an entrepreneur isn’t always the prettiest. I can make $800 one week and maybe $65 the next. I can be inspired one week and have a creative block the next. Through it all, I’ll never forget my true desire and purpose in doing this.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a professional makeup artist specializing in natural glam. My artistry is built on and known for giving you that movie star look while maintaining your nature. I would say that I’m most proud of the fact that I have my unique look. Many say they can tell if I’ve done a person’s face. That means a lot to me. That sets me apart from others; I provide makeup services and experience. I have a studio that I work in. Clients come in to get their makeup done, and we talk, laugh, and vibe to the music, all while enjoying the atmosphere, cleanliness of my workspace, and professionalism that I offer.

Who else deserves credit for your story?
Of course, I haven’t done any of this alone. I’ve had some great people backing and pushing me even when I didn’t see it in me. The person who has pushed me the most is my husband. Sometimes I wanted to quit and work a job to get by, and he reassured and affirmed that I could pursue my dream. He took care of everything while I built my businesses. He’s always been like that with everything that I’ve done. My best friend Akira has helped me plan and execute. My friends who have turned into sisters, The Golden Girls, have supported and celebrated me throughout this journey. They have my back, for sure. My grandmother told me when I was younger, “Trida, you can do anything you want to do as long as you keep God first. You’re special,” That never leaves my mind. I’ve gained much life wisdom from her. Above everything and everyone else, I honor God. It may seem cliche to some, but I’m nothing without His hand and perfect will for my life.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.gemartistry.as.me
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/citriathemua/
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/xthegembrand/?ref=py_c