A “Real Woman, Real Talk” Interview with Rozz J!

For those of you who don’t know, RozzJ is not only a small business owner of her own makeup line, FBR Cosmetics, she is also an accomplished Atlanta-based makeup artist.  Her work has been seen in Jet Magazine, and on the faces of Bishop Eddie Long, and Laman Rucker as well as other public speakers and entertainers.  Late on a Sunday evening, I sat down with RozzJ via phone conference to find out more about the woman behind the makeup. 

IvyLeague: Assuming that work such as being a make-up artist requires a calling or passion rather than just someone working in the job, how did you get into the business?

RozzJ: Growing up I always used to look at television and magazines and see things that were pretty.  Being a plus-sized woman, I always wanted to find ways to make the plus-sized women look beautiful too.  I also did a photo-shoot several years ago and applied my own makeup.  Everyone loved it!  Early on in my career, I worked under a celebrity makeup artist, Davincio Griffin who taught me a lot. 

IvyLeague: I noticed from my research, that you have provided your makeup services to many men.  I can only imagine the reaction my husband would have towards someone attempting to apply makeup to his face.  What comments and reactions have you gotten from the men?

RozzJ, basically these men already know why they are there, and their main concern is that even with the makeup, they will look natural, and like themselves.  You have to make them feel comfortable.  I haven’t ran into any bad [mannered] people.

IvyLeague: So what’s your main pet peeve in regards to makeup when you see a woman walking down the street?

RozzJ: Definitely the foundation line around the edges of a woman’s face, and the foundation not being blended in. 

IvyLeague: Being in the makeup business, what do you see as the three things that a woman can do to improve her look?

RozzJ: Makeup is great, but the most important thing is skin care; cleaning your skin and then using a good moisturizer at night and in the morning can keep your skin looking great for those mornings when you may not have time to apply foundation.  It’s also good to apply the moisturizer to your face when it is still a little damp.  Regarding makeup, a quick way to improve your look would be to use lip gloss, and maybe a little eye liner, powder, and mascara.  A clean eye brow is also essential.

IvyLeague: I noticed from your blog that you pick a “Diva of the Week”.  So, of course I want to know how I can be “it”. 

RozzJ: (Laughing) All you have to do is take a picture of yourself wearing some of the makeup from FBR Cosmetics and submit it to marketing@fbrcosmetics.com.  You could possibly be selected.

IvyLeague: Let’s face it, we have all probably had one of those dreaded “bad hair” days and been handed a business card from a local hair stylist.  (Those days suck!), so I wanted to see if the same process holds true in the make-up industry. 

RozzJ: Well I have done that before (chuckles), but not so much to tell a woman that her make-up doesn’t look good.  It was more so to promote my business.

IvyLeague: How important is it for every girl to have a good set of [makeup] brushes?

RozzJ: It is so important!  The brushes help with application.  It is also important to sanitize those brushes.

A big shout out to RozzJ for her time and allowing me to drill her with questions that every “Real Woman” wants to know! FBR Cosmetics is a full makeup line with lip gloss, lip stick, eye shadows, and lip pencils.  RozzJ commented that she wanted to produce a line of makeup that she enjoys wearing.  I’m so excited to try it!  Look for me as the next “Diva of the Week”…that’s if my makeup-obsessed three-year old doesn’t beat me to it! To find out more about FBR Cosmetics go to: http://www.fbrcosmetics.com/

Peace,

IveLeague