Meet Jessica Hester | Founder & Mentor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica Hester and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
Well, lets see. My important and most consuming habit would be overthinking and picking things apart; and honestly it can be quite debilitating at times. However, the beauty in that chaos is when it comes to my AfterFive there is rarely a box that goes unturned. I try my best to make sure all the T’s are crossed, the I’s are dotted and even squeeze in a few extra squiggles in there somewhere lol. As time consuming as it can be, I think this has helped me a lot, especially with my creative campaigns. I am always trying to pick my way into the minds of other people. Wondering what their experience with my brand will be and how they will feel after receiving my products and working with me. What will the message be? Am I doing too much? Am I doing too little? Should I launch this new product now? Should I wait until later? This style or that style? This name or that name? It can be a mess! Lol but that’s just the nature of the beast I guess. So, at times it helps and sometimes I just make it hard for myself but I find it important to be thorough.

What should our readers know about your business?
AfterFive is a cosmetics brand based out of Fort Worth, Texas. We specialize in lavish faux lashes that will catch anyone’s attention (in a good way, lol) with a variety of styles spanning from natural to full on glam. It is important to me that my brands products are inclusive to everyone’s style and needs. One day you may want just a little extra umph on the eye, the next day you may want to completely cut up. Either way, we got you covered. Coming into our 3rd year in business we have worked with so many clients and what we have discovered is that whether you are an MUA, CEO, student, service member, stay at home mom, or enthusiast…our products match your vibe from day to night. It definitely wasn’t easy, but we are learning as we are growing. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to trust your instincts and break out of that box and be creative. I love building campaigns and just seeing the support and excitement from all of our supporters makes all the sleepless nights worth it. With you all in mind, I want to announce that we have expanded our product line with a new product and campaign. On April 30, 2021 we are launching our “Flashing Nudes Collection”. This collection is comprised of 5 blinding loose highlighting powders that adds a glow like none other not only to your face but to your body as well. A total must have, especially for spring and summer! We all love multipurpose and who doesn’t love a killer glow? I promise you they will not disappoint. We are super excited about this campaign and the steps we are taking to be your inclusive shop for all things beauty. If you haven’t shopped with us yet, we would love to earn your business. Use code: SHOUTOUTDFW for a special discount at checkout.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh my goodness, well my friends love to eat, shop and hangout and the area has so many unique small businesses with so much to offer. I’d suggest BBQ so definitely take them to eat at Panther City BBQ in Fort Worth and Smoky D’z BBQ in Dallas. Get some amazing desserts from Crave By Joy; her Oatmeal Cream Pies are amazing! Enjoy some shopping with some of my favorite brands; EDP247, The Vibe Brand, STATUS, House of Merci and Bleu Rush. You could do a spa day at T. Alexandria MedSpa, get your hair done by the best hair stylist in DFW, Hair Kocky Studios, throw on a cute lippie from AllureFacesByNikki and go out for drinks and dinner downtown at The Henry. Another day, you could take a road trip to Clyde, TX to visit Vintage Vibe West for an afternoon of vintage shopping fun followed by an amazing lunch at Stalling Time restaurant. Memories are everything so you’d definitely have to schedule a photoshoot with PhotosByLJK in her amazing new natural light studio BLK STRY Studio in Frisco. Other than that we’d be laid up in jammies enjoying wine and music singing terribly at the top of our lungs lol.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I first have to thank God for blessing me with the gift of life to even be here in existence and the discernment to have healthy individuals in my life. There are so many that play a pivotal role in business and in my life. I want to thank my husband, Demetrius, for being my rock and keeping me level headed despite how hard headed I can be lol. My best friend Jasmen for talking me off the ledge when things seem to be too much at times. My girlfriends Kina, Taja, Tamyia, Anj and Angelique for listening to all my ideas at any time of the day or night! My friends turned models, Nikki, Justus, and Laura. My videographer Kenneth Spresely with Element6Media…My photograpHER LaJune King with PhotosByLJK for capturing my brand and vibes every month for me. My hairstylist, Shonda with HairKocky Studios for keeping my natural together for my branding shoots. My community of Dallas/ Fort Worth friends that continues to shop with me, recommend me, tag me and refer me by word of mouth and social media. My family, my hometown of Valdosta, GA and the many supporters I’ve developed across the country over the years that chooses AfterFive as their goto brand for all things beauty. I love and appreciate you all!

Website: www.aftervlashbar.com

Instagram: Afterfive_

Facebook: AfterFive

Image Credits
PhotosByLJK