New Jersey is home to many ambitious and talented women who juggle family, career, and home. A select few of these women are also extremely busy building their own companies to help better manage the balance of work and family. At NJMOM, we want to highlight these extraordinary women who build businesses in New Jersey, and learn the secret to their success.
Founder of Masha Hair & Makeup
& NJMOMpreneur: Masha Jeramaz
As founder of Masha Hair & Makeup, Masha Jeramaz is her own business. After working in a variety of fields, she found her true passion after finding herself with an opportunity to work in beauty. From there, she hit the ground running as a self-operating freelance stylist. Whether Masha is working with a large bridal party or styling models for a photo shoot, she does more than what her business name suggests; she is able to uncover what her clients want, even if they aren’t sure about the latest trends or terminology. In addition, Masha’s extensive social media following has made her a public figure in the beauty world – her popular how-to videos and dreamy photos inspire thousands (literally!) of women each day to express themselves. At the end of the day for Masha, it’s all about her clients’ happiness, and that moment when they look in the mirror and smile.
NJMOM was able to chat with Masha about the ups and downs of working for herself, how she discovered her passion for hair and makeup, and her favorite things to do in New Jersey with her husband and 4 ½ month old son.
NJMOM: What do you offer to your clients and how is it different than other professionals in your field?
Masha: Masha Hair & Makeup, my business name, gives clients a sense of the services I offer; however, it only scratches the surface of what I do. In the studio, things are straight forward – I create exceptional looks for the client or model. On wedding day however, I’m a professional ringmaster, therapist, manager, cheerleader, and lead artist. My many years of experience have taught me that exceptional results start with organization, preparation, communication, and end with a positive attitude and genuine excitement for my brides.
NJMOM: What inspired you to get into your line of work?
Masha: Prior to my career in beauty, I worked in the restaurant business, retail, telemarketing, and banking, to name a few. Although I was always a hard worker, it wasn’t until I got an opportunity in hair and makeup that I knew what it felt like to be passionate about my work. Being able to express my creativity and make clients look more beautiful than they ever knew they could really excited me.
NJMOM: What is your favorite part about your business?
Masha: Being my own boss sounds great on the surface but the buck stops with me. I’m responsible for the end result at every job. While I do enjoy some flexibility in my schedule, at the end of the day it’s still that moment when the client looks in the mirror and sees a gorgeous woman staring back and she acknowledges “that is me.” This is the high that money can’t buy, at least for me.
NJMOM: What is your background in your business expertise?
Masha: Formal hair and makeup schooling got me started (I won’t say how many years ago). I always sought out what I felt were the best studios and makeup companies to work for at the time. First you learn the product, next comes good technique, and after working with enough clients, you get a sense of what works best for any age, ethnicity, and skin type. What can’t be taught is the ability to listen to the client and execute what they want but haven’t articulated.
NJMOM: What are you most proud of in your career?
Masha: Training and mentoring my assistants into a rock solid, professional team has brought me a tremendous amount of satisfaction. We have handled many large and sometimes challenging bridal parties with great success. For example, staying composed and bringing a little levity after the mom just slapped the sister of the bride – yep, true story!
NJMOM: What is something few people know about you?
Masha: Few people know that MJ are my only initials. I don’t have a middle name!
NJMOM: What can we expect from you for the rest of 2017?
Masha: My focus for the rest of the year is my 4 ½ month old, Alexander. We are both obsessed with each other. Professionally, I’m limiting my studio work, which is typically during the week, and doing more weddings this season since Dad can look after him on weekends. You can expect to see more educational tutorials from me as I continue to enhance my social media presence.
NJMOM: What charity are you most passionate about?
Masha: I am an adamant supporter of the WarriorChallenge.com, a fitness-based charity event that helps raise funding and awareness for wounded US Special Operations personnel. This event takes place once a year on the beach in Avon-By-The-Sea, New Jersey. Initially, my husband talked me into competing years ago, but now I thankfully work the event and provide social media support. It’s impossible not to support these brave Americans who leave home for months on end and risk their lives so our families can live in peace and security.
NJMOM: Who is your role model?
Masha: My amazing husband is my number one role model and best friend. Tom is loyal, kind, professional, and very smart! He challenges me and keeps me motivated. I have learned much from him and am a better woman because of him!
NJMOM: Do you have a favorite quote you live by?
Masha:
Like attracts like. I’m a true believer that whatever you give out to the universe, you will get in return.
NJMOM: What are your favorite things to do in New Jersey with your family?
Masha: We live near the beach so naturally, pushing the stroller along the boardwalk at dusk is a favorite. Driving west for less than 15 minutes brings you to Allaire State Park. It’s a great place to hike and bike. Within the park the New Jersey Museum of Transportation runs the Pine Creek Railroad; a short train ride and a walk through the colonial village are sure to keep children entertained. It’s open for the majority of Spring through Fall. Asbury Park is our favorite place to go out and enjoy great food and culture.
NJMOM: What is the best part about being a mom for you?
Masha: Waking up to a little human who grins and then beams one gigantic smile after the next fills me with joy and delight every morning. Knowing that your beautiful baby is totally dependent gives one a sense of purpose and selflessness that could not be imagined beforehand.
NJMOM: What are your favorite businesses in New Jersey?
Masha: I love Atlantic Farms In Manasquan. They have a lot of animals for kids to feed and you can pick your own flowers. The Training Room in Avon is where I go to get fit and strong; the owners Jim and Mike are the best! All new moms should head directly to the Training Room. For coffee on the go, I grab a Sumatra blend from Rook in Wall.
Related Article: NJMOMpreneur, Holly Migliaccio, Rook Coffee
NJMOM: Where do you reside and vacation in New Jersey?
Masha: We live in Avon-By-The-Sea, located in Monmouth County. Avon is a gem that has friendly residents and quiet streets all year around. Centrally located an hour from New York and Philadelphia, it’s perfect for my line of work. My husband is from Lake Hopatcong, up in Sussex County. I’m excited to see where he grew up and take a cruise around the lake this fall.
NJMOM: What advice might you have for a fellow NJMOMpreneur who is just starting out?
Masha: Spend as much time as you can with your sweet baby. The early months fly by and every week brings substantial change. You just don’t want to miss any of it, if possible. When it comes time to get back to business, failing to plan is planning to fail! You’ll have less time than ever, so good time management is key. At some point all the venti lattes in the world won’t help; skip the caffeine and catch a quick power nap. Trust me on this one!
NJMOM: Anything else you’d like to tell moms in New Jersey?
Masha:
As a first time mom, I realize that the only constant is change.
By the time you figure out what his favorite binky is, he’ll decide he prefers something else. Just roll with it. You and your partner need to work together better than ever, divide the chores, and be extra nice. Both of you will be reeling for a while until you settle into a routine. Parenthood is the best hard work you’ll ever do.
To learn more about Masha Hair & Makeup, visit her website and follow along on Facebook and Instagram.
