Today we’d like to introduce you to Claudia Jones.
Claudia , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Oh where to begin! I come from a family of hard working, and dedicated tradespeople! My father is a mechanic, my uncle is a plumber, my grandfather is a carpenter, and last but certainly not least, my mom is a Cosmetologist! Long story short, they were all very inspiring!
I pretty much grew up in the industry, salons were like a second home to me! I vividly remember the colorful hair extensions, the glittery lip glosses, and walking to the salon to meet my mom after grade school! That was the best. Aside from my mom, another big thing that contributed to my love for all things makeup and skin, was my dance and artistic background! I started dancing when I was 4 years old, joining the competitive dance league shortly after…. It feels like I have been seriously doing Smokey eyes since I was 8 years old! Dance and art was always something I was so passionate about, it really helped sculpt me into the woman I am today. The necessary work ethic and commitment levels, really taught me what it’s like to fight for something you love, and that practice really does make perfect! After a few more years of dance, drawing and painting summer camps, and practicing makeup looks on my teammates and friends, I opened up my first Instagram page in 2017! The name was “makeupbyclaude”. This page allowed me to be creative, build a brand, and showcase my makeup skills. At this time, I was 16 years old and my mom officially “hired” me to manage the desk at her salon, the same one I would walk to after middle school!
This consisted of answering the phone, scheduling appointments, running promotions, and making sure the product shelves were always stocked and dusted! After 2 years, in 2019 when I graduated high school, I started my journey through
Cosmetology school. There I completed 1,200 hours of training, and obtained my license to practice hair, skin, and nails. I always knew I wanted to do makeup, but what I soon came to realize was my love for skincare as well. Now that I was done with school and had my license, I went on to take more in depth training with Dermalogica, becoming a professional skin therapist with their brand. I also took more specialized courses with reputable high end brands, such as Derma-plane PRO, Skinscript, Cosmoprof, Milady, and more. I was always leveling up my knowledge and experience! Fast forward to the most exciting moment yet! Years later in 2021, after many facials and freelance makeup opportunities, I opened my first salon as “Makeup and Skincare by Claude”
There I had the MOST amazing time ever, growing in ways I never knew imaginable. My salon was right next to my mom’s. Her and her stylists specialized in hair, and now I was finally the perfect neighbor; offering the most luxurious makeup and skincare services! I was so grateful to have such success, and an amazing clientele base who trusted me based off the relationships we build over my years growing up in the salon!
Now, after continuing to grow and evolve, I have a super skilled team of professionals working alongside of me. From Makeup artists, highly skilled Estheticians, Massage Therapists, content creators and more! This lead me to November 1st, 2024, where I signed the lease to my new, upgraded, Event styling salon and spa! We underwent renovations for 6 months, opening up our new (and bigger) doors on April 1st, 2025!
Tripling the space and rebranding to what is now known today as “Claude & Co.” we embody and promote so many empowering services. Done by not only me but now the company that I’ve built. We operate with the confidence to be a one stop shop; especially for our brides, who know they can come in for trustworthy waxing, facials, and spray tans to prep them for makeup and perfection on their big day!
Makeup and skincare has opened up so many doors for me, changing my life in ways I would’ve never thought. I can never imagine doing anything else in this lifetime, esthetics is my past, present and future! My name is Claudia, and that’s me!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
One of the biggest struggles I would say would be the criticism from others in regard to “well how are you going to make a living” “you’re not going to college?!”
I remember it was decision day in high school and I felt so left out that my friends had all committed to 4 year schools and I didn’t… I never gave up on myself though and I am so grateful for all my past choices that lead me here!
Of course there’s ups and downs when working with the general public too.. you learn quickly to make sure you spell things out and be as transparent as possible
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a fully licensed cosmetologist who specializes in event styling and esthetics!
I’m known most for my bridal makeup looks and skincare treatments!
I’m really proud of my knowledge and skill level, and I really think my work ethic and personality sets me apart from others
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I think from being in the industry for almost 10 years now, we’ve definitely already seen shifts and I can see the future going similarly… it’s like this constant rotation of some brides wanting super dramatic structured glam, and then trends falling back into soft, effortless natural bridal glam!
In regards to skincare… we’ve faced a big hurdle these past few years with the increase influence of social media, and people trying to prescribe themselves random skincare routines based off paid influencers they’re seeing online.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://claudeandcompany.my.canva.site/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZnRzaATN9f9wZG9mAmV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDzEyNDAyNDU3NDI4NzQxNAABp2pt51uoe5loBQwwA2GcX6aP0FCH4QdtckO90WdqWIK9MVUyFe8GefmKmu-g_aem_dwGS_2srLUQDWxqBZFsWnA
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeupbyclaude?igsh=cmZicW5kanI4d3Nz&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Go6JVpR48/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: https://www.vagaro.com/makeupandskincarebyclaude
