If you haven’t noticed by now, the beauty industry is booming, and Black women are flourishing in it! From YouTube influencers breaking barriers and pushing products, to big names like Rihanna, who is KILLING it with her Fenty line, to us seeing the likes of Issa Rae and Janelle Monae being the face of Covergirl. That brings us to introduce Jankail Adams, an entrepreneur who is empowering and educating women through her gift of makeup, but her journey has been far from glamorous. From dealing with a mentor who tried tarnishing her brand, to finding the strength to leave an emotionally abusive marriage, Jankail is no stranger to hardship, but she for sure is a survivor and a woman who has never let a hard time stop her from going after what’s hers! She took a moment from her busy schedule to chat with us about all the ups and downs as well as what’s next for her!
How Did You Get into The Makeup/Beauty Business?
By accident! My first real memory of makeup, I was in the 6th grade and we were performing in a school talent show. My section was dancing the choreography to Michael Jackson’s Thriller. I remember thinking I could turn us into zombies. I had no idea what I was doing, I just knew I had a clear vision in my mind about how we could look. And I got to work! I didn’t always wear makeup properly (you should see some of my older photos!) But I practiced and watched videos. It wasn’t until adulthood that people would ask me to do their makeup. And that was the beginning of my business!
You’ve Shared That You Went Through and Made It Out Of An Emotionally Abusive Divorce, As Well As, Dealing With A Mentor Who Tried Tarnishing Your Brand. How Did You Get Through Such Tough Times?
The only way I could, which was to be honest about the reality of both of those situations. It was less about both of those people and more about how I wanted to create a new life for myself. We are all responsible for creating the life that we want, but no one ever talks about how you have to love the life you have until you get to the one you want. I was so hurt by the business mentor because we came into the relationship at the time, I realized my marriage was not thriving and I needed to leave. As for my marriage, it took an honest introspective conversation with myself where I had to admit that I actively participated in the toxic environment I found myself in. I wasn’t always the best version of myself. But I knew I would never become her if I stayed. I left with nothing except my children and the clothes we owned. And we struggled! A lot! But I needed them to see it’s ok to not always be strong and you can overcome even those things you think you can’t.
Why Do You Want to Use Makeup as A Way to Empower Women?
I believe every woman can learn to do her own makeup well. At the heart of who I am, I’m a teacher. I sincerely enjoy taking the guesswork and fear out of makeup for the everyday woman. That’s how we begin to build confidence. But I make sure I am authentic and open. At the core of who we are, we respect people who are unafraid to be who they truly are. Because in that, we hold space and allow others to do the same. When we function from that capacity, there’s power. And when we feel powerful, there’s nothing we can’t do.
What Makes Your Business Unique and Different from Any Other Brand In The Beauty Industry?
I am the uniqueness! It’s not lost on me that there are so many other makeup artists who do what I do, and much better. I get that. But there’s something about being raw and honest that no one can take away from me. I’m a self-taught artist. My goal is always to connect to the heart of the people. I just happen to use makeup to do it.
What Is Some Advice You Have for Single Moms Juggling /Starting A Business While Being Full-Time Active Moms?
I’m not a single mom. I like to think of myself as an independent Mom, because I’m not alone in raising my boys. My advice is to prioritize yourself. It can be so difficult to say no to your children, especially if they come from divorce or trauma. But it’s imperative that they PHYSICALLY see you happy! I try to say yes as much as possible to my boys, but I also include them in the business. My oldest is my Artistic Director – he helps choose products and he’s especially great at naming them. My youngest I’ve dubbed Director of Operations – he helps pick and pack orders. It’s critical that they feel vested in what Mom does as opposed to being on the outside looking in. I want them to feel pride in what mom is doing.
Who Has Been an Inspiration to You While Starting And Actively Working On Your Business And Brand?
Outside of brands like The Crayon Case (her marketing is genius!), I’m actually inspired by a lot of local people and brands like Elevated, Mean Girl Style and The Urban Snob. These women have mastered the art of the pivot, and I respect it so much. They are very at peace with themselves and it shows in their business. It’s not about money; they do what they love with blinders on and that’s tremendously inspiring.
What Type of Legacy Do You Hope To Leave Behind For Your Children And Within The Beauty Industry?
The freedom to fail. The only difference between me and other beauty businesses is that I’m not afraid to fail. I don’t believe in losses. I believe we are always on track to our destiny, that we can be detoured at times, but we never officially leave that track. My legacy would be that you are never at a loss if you are doing what you love. And when you stop loving it, it’s time to move on. But at the end of the day, I’m in the business of people.
What Else Are You Working On? Any New Projects in The Works?
COVID has forced so many of us to launch new endeavors, so retail isn’t always where it’s at. Retail spending has ebbs and flows to it already, and the economic impact the pandemic has had on people isn’t lost on me. So, I am launching small group and 1:1 lesson. Everyone is sick of Zoom, so bringing a friend to a non-traditional Paint and Sip (with makeup) is a welcomed change of pace. This will be my focus into the Spring and Summer season until wedding season ramps up again.
How Can People Connect with You and Keep Up with What You’re Doing?
You can find me at Jankail Sherri on all platforms. Although you will only find me on Twitter live-tweeting about 90 Day Fiancé and Married at First Sight. LOL.
