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Julie Jules
Tell us about yourself!
2x Emmy Award Winning MakeUp Artist
A two-time Emmy Award Winning Makeup Artist for Outstanding Makeup for the
syndicated television daytime show “The Real,” Julie’s talents continue to grace the
world of television and print media daily as a respected celebrity makeup artist in the
industry.
Growing up in Newark, NJ, Julie learned the importance of beauty and strength from
her Haitian mother. It was through her mother's vivid stories about growing up in Haiti
that her passion for beauty was born. To make her makeup, her mother
used roses, coal, and anything else she could get her hands on. As a result of her
mother's stories, Julie changed the way she defined beauty for herself. The example of
her mother working long hours every day to provide the best possible lifestyle was the
blueprint for Julie's success!
She moved to California in 2009 as a senior in high school. Then she proceeded on to attend California State University, Long Beach, earning her Bachelor of Science degree in healthcare administration. Julie discovered her true calling after working in the healthcare industry while discovering the wonderful world of makeup artistry. She worked her way into the entertainment industry and found her true calling.
Julie’s determination and amazing talents transformed her into a Hollywood professional makeup artist for print, film, video, and television. Julie has worked on television shows such as “The Real”, and “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills", and with celebrities like Garcelle Beauvais, and Vivica A. Fox and Sheryl Lee Ralph! Her artistry has made it possible for her to showcase her makeup transformations for the Emmys, Billboard, BET, and MTV Award Shows along with being the Makeup Department Head for the streaming series “Send Help” from the writers of HBO’s “Insecure”. Julie has demonstrated versatility in her skills, making it possible for her to work on Rhianna’s Savage Fenty Vol 2 fashion show. Her work has also been featured on the editorial pages of Harper’s BAZAAR Vietnam and in Vogue magazine.
Through her years of experience, Julie has developed her love for storytelling and inspiring people into public appearances, hoping to motivate the youth and those struggling with following their dreams. She has been a panelist at the Pan African Film & Arts Festival and advocated for finding your true passion, but knowing in advance it
can come with hurdles and how to overcome them.
It is essential to note that none of her success would be possible without the support of her family, friends, clients, and colleagues.
What initially sparked your interest in makeup artistry, and how did you pursue this passion?
Both of my parents are from Haiti and met here in the US. Growing up, my mother would always tell me stories about her childhood. She grew up in the countryside of Gonaïves. She loved makeup but didn't have the extra money to buy it. So, she would use coal as eyeliner and rub roses on her cheeks to create a blush.
During my adolescent years, she encouraged my sister and me to wear makeup and always look our best. She would say, "Don't forget a pair of earrings!"
Growing up in New Jersey, I wasn't exposed to the entertainment world or the roles behind the scenes. But once I moved to Los Angeles, I was in awe. I promised myself I would do everything in my power to become a makeup artist
How has your Haitian heritage influenced your approach to makeup artistry and your creative process?
I am always honored to be part of such a rich and resilient culture. Since I didn't know anyone in Los Angeles, I had to hustle, put myself out there, and learn how to accept rejection. Growing up with such strong values really helped me navigate the Hollywood industry.
How has living and working in Los Angeles influenced your career as a makeup artist, and what are some of the key advantages of being based in this city?
Los Angeles is one of those cities where anything can happen and dreams can really come true. I took full advantage of everything the industry had to offer. I started by
getting clients on Craigslist, working with upcoming models, directors, producers, music artists, and more. These humble beginnings laid the foundation for a beautiful career, as many of those people reached the top of their fields, and we were able to support each other later in our careers.
Being based in Los Angeles is fantastic because there's always something happening.
Every day, there's a music video, photo shoot, or award show, providing countless opportunities.
What role did mentorship and networking play in your journey to becoming an Emmy winning makeup artist, and are there any mentors who had a significant impact on your
career?
Mentorship and networking have played a crucial role in my journey to becoming a two-time Emmy award-winning makeup artist. As I mentioned, I had to start from the ground up and network my way through the industry.
After a few years of doing makeup while working a full-time administrative job, I joined a women's group that included women from all areas of the industry. One of the women in the group was Garcelle Beauvais' makeup artist. She had recently accepted
a coveted role as the key makeup artist on the hit show "Insecure" and would be working full-time on set. She asked if I would mind auditioning to be Garcelle’s makeup artist for her upcoming debut on "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills." I was in awe
—I had only been doing makeup full-time for six months, having recently been let go from my administrative job. This was my big break, as I hadn’t had a celebrity client at that point.
Garcelle Beauvais made a significant impact on my career. She was my first celebrity client and my introduction to the Hollywood Entertainment Industry. I was introduced to her by her makeup artist, who needed more help as she prepared for her first seasonon "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills."
Garcelle took the time to train me in industry and set etiquette—things that you learn from years of experience behind the scenes. I am grateful to have worked with such an esteemed actor whose career and work ethichave stood the test of time.
In 2020, Garcelle was chosen to be the new host on the syndicated daytime talk show "The Real." After careful deliberation, she asked me to be her makeup artist for the show. I was in shock! She could have chosen any artist in the industry, and she askedme. Of course, I humbly accepted and prepared myself for this opportunity of a lifetime. I went on to win two Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Makeup for a Daytime Talk Show. This changed my life forever, and I have Garcelle to thank for that.She gave me a platform to showcase my talents and be recognized.
Looking back, what were some of the biggest obstacles you faced on your journey, and how did you overcome them to achieve recognition in your field?
There were many hurdles to overcome while pursuing my career in makeup. One major challenge was being across the country from my family. In our 20s, we are so excited to live alone and do our own thing. For the first three years I lived in Los Angeles, I was
couch surfing and didn’t have a place of my own. It was really hard. While I was grateful for the help of friends, it was difficult to build something when I felt like I had nothing. So, I had to really strengthen my mind.
My mom would call me all the time and offer for me to come home to New Jersey, but I wasn’t ready to give up on my dream yet. I had already been living in Los Angeles, and I would have to start over again if I went home. So, I felt it best to keep going in Los
Angeles. Even if that meant being uncomfortable, I knew it would only be for a season.
My mother was a great support in the beginning. Coming from a Haitian household you only have a few professions to choose from.I went to university to pursue a degree in healthcare and worked at UCLA Hospital. My parents were very happy for me, but when I decided to pursue a career in makeup, my mom was hesitant. However, she believed in me. She knew that if I put my mind to something, I could achieve it. So, although it must have been tough for her, she encouraged me to go after my dream time and time again.
I also gave myself an ultimatum. After two years of doing makeup on the side (mostly on the weekends), I decided to take it seriously because what I really wanted was to be a full-time makeup artist. I told myself I would either give it all I had or never talk aboutwanting to be a full-time makeup artist again. For me, I wouldn’t be able to live with never talking about it again, so I gave it all I had. I partnered with photographers, models, and hairstylists to have photoshoots. I would take clients before work, duringlunch breaks, and after work. Many of the shoots I did at that time were for free because I needed more practice. This, in turn, boosted my confidence, widened my network, and improved my skills as an artist. Ultimately, this led me to achieverecognition in my field. I was never scared to start from the beginning again.
Can you share an experience where your cultural background played a significant role in inspiring or shaping a particular makeup look or project?
I worked as the Makeup Department Head on the ALLBLK series "Send Help," which follows a young first-generation Haitian American struggling to overcome the challenges in Hollywood while coming to terms with a recent family tragedy. The show
was created by Haitians Jean Elie and Mike Gauyo.
I got the job in an unexpected yet exciting way. I saw a post on LunionSuite about Jean and Mike gearing up to shoot their show, so I hopped into Mike’s DMs and expressed my interest in working with them in the future. To my surprise, he asked me to interview for the role of Makeup Department Head. I was shocked but ready for the opportunity. I got the job and couldn’t have asked for a better work environment.
Most of the cast and crew were Haitian, and the craft services even included Haitian food a few times, which made me incredibly happy. It was amazing to work with my people, all of us so talented and creating a series that represented our culture.
"Lakay se Lakay" – home's everywhere. Does LA have pockets of home for you? Can you share some "home" hides in the city?
After living in Los Angeles for 10 years, I have some places that feel like home. One of my favorite spots is Runyon Canyon. I've been going there even before I lived in LA. It's a place I've visited when I had money, no money, felt great, and didn't feel great. It's seen me in all my flaws, and best of all, it's free.
Every time I go there, it feels like visiting an old friend, and it makes me feel grounded.
For those striving for success in both their professional and personal lives in Los Angeles, what advice do you have to share from your own experiences?
Don't be afraid to be yourself, and don't think you are too good for anything. If you want to attract the right people and opportunities, you have to show them your authentic self. If you present a version of yourself that you think they want to see, they
might place you in a position you weren’t looking for.
When I first started out in Los Angeles, I did whatever I needed to do to make money. I did DoorDash, UberEats, and audience work. For those who don’t know, Los Angeles is home to the most in-studio audience TV shows in the world. Not all audience members are fans of the show; some are hired by agencies to sit in the audience. They typically pay $10-12 an hour and offer same-day payment. I would go to an early morning show, use the cash for gas, and do DoorDash the rest of the day. While some people might think audience work is beneath them, it was a way for me to provide for myself, and I wasn't ashamed to tell anyone.
When I sat in the audience, I would see the hair and makeup teams come out during breaks to touch up the hosts or guests. I would think, "Wow, one day that will be me." I was so close yet so far away from that dream.Fast forward five years, and I was winning my second Emmy for the same show I used to sit in the audience for, "The Real." The universe is truly a magical place—it brought me full circle! When I look at my awards, I see the young girl who did whatever sheneeded to do to make her dreams come true.
Lastly, THE most important question: Bouyon or Soup Joumou?
Soup Joumou!
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