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

Hi Jenny, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I started JTorry Makeup & Hair Artistry because I wanted to turn every bride’s desire into reality—to look her absolute best and feel confident on her big day without transforming into a completely different person. The secret? Accentuate her natural features so her inner beauty can stand out. The problem? Few people can do this to a bride’s full satisfaction. I knew I had to share this knowledge, along with my talent and skills, with as many aspiring makeup artists as possible.

That’s how the JTorry Makeup Academy was born. We train students in two essential areas:

  • Professional techniques to create gorgeous makeup looks\
  • Effective communication skills to ensure every client leaves the chair happy and glowing

Along the way, many of my students expressed their desire to buy trustworthy makeup products directly from the academy. This, along with the realization that many people don’t have access to high-quality products, led to the JTorry Beauty line of products. Anyone can apply makeup like a professional from the comfort of their own home with these products and tools.

What should our readers know about your business?
Here’s a fun fact—I actually got my start in the fine arts. For as long as I can remember, I’ve always had a deep passion for art, especially painting. I decided to pursue this passion and started my own business creating custom paintings while working a full-time job.

Three years into this business, I decided to take my passion to another level and paint on a different type of canvas—the face. My corporate job felt very unfulfilling, so I took a leap of faith and quit. That was the best decision I’ve ever made.

For the past 13 years, I have worked tirelessly to build a successful business and perfect my artistry in makeup and hair. I’ve worked with thousands of clients and gained crucial experience that has positioned me as an expert in the field. The South Asian community knows me particularly well due to my mastery of specialized techniques. I am proud to offer the best in bridal makeup, beauty makeup, special event makeup, and special event/bridal hairstyling.

While I’m devoted to helping my brides and clients look and feel their best, I’m also passionate about teaching. I am both a licensed cosmetologist and a state board-licensed instructor. My true purpose has two parts—to bring out beauty in different art forms, and to bring out a woman’s confidence by enhancing her natural beauty. This is my guiding light as a teacher and artist.

Has it been a smooth road? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My journey hasn’t been easy by any means. My daughter had just turned two when I decided to pursue my cosmetology and instructor licenses. I was torn—I wanted to be there for her all day, but I knew this decision wouldn’t get any easier even if I waited until she got older. On top of that, my daughter needed special medical attention due to a birth defect called Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia. She suffered many complications due to her condition, and we had to hire a nurse to assist with her care.

That’s when I knew I had to find a solution so I could spend more time with my daughter. It made me realize that I wanted to open a makeup academy. I could pursue my passion for teaching while my daughter went to school, giving me the time and financial freedom to create cherished memories with my family. This was my driving force.

And so, I built my business while attending school full-time. I’m so grateful because I got to watch my daughter grow up to be a strong, beautiful girl who no longer depends on medication to live.

Tell us about your business/company. What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of as a company? What sets you apart from others?
I established JTorry Makeup Academy a little over two years ago. Here, aspiring artists can learn the necessary skills and techniques to apply flawless makeup with confidence. Once they’ve completed the 8-day course, they are certified as professional makeup artists.

My academy is different because I’m not just the owner—I am the instructor and a working artist. Because of this, I teach my students real knowledge and techniques that are relevant in today’s beauty industry. Equipped with these skills, my students can start their own businesses as professional makeup artists.

What are your proudest moments in your career?
That’s easy—seeing my students work their magic during the final exam and put everything they’ve learned into action. It is truly humbling to watch each student blossom into a professional makeup artist, especially because most of my students start as beginners with very little makeup artistry experience.

Seeing my students’ faces light up with pride as they look at their finished model fills my heart with so much love. I am beyond grateful for all of my students and I love seeing and hearing about their personal journeys.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Due to COVID I haven’t been able to travel or go out to eat much. Under normal circumstances, though, I’d take them to Velvet Tacos- has the best yummy tacos and side dishes! Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband – Tawa Torry. I wouldn’t be where I am today without this loving support.

Website: www.jtorrymakeupacademy.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jtorrymakeupacademy/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-torry-2829151a2/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JTorryMakeup
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jtorrymakeupacademy
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/jtorry-makeup-academy-dallas?osq=jtorry+makeup+academy
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnYWe5zrQEZpAkmhUVVYKRg
Other: https://www.bbb.org/us/tx/dallas/profile/makeup/jtorry-makeup-academy-0875-91127246#bbbseal

Image Credits
Photography by Kuawuane
Vek Photos
Domus Aurea Portraits 

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.