Exploring Life & Business with Jada Troutman of Wayda Dolled Me

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jada Troutman

Hi Jada , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Jada Troutman, and I’m from Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Now currently living in Jacksonville, I have been in Jacksonville for only two months now . I am a twin of a sister name Taylor . I am also an alumna of Bethune Cookman University, where I earned a degree in Business Administration. Currently, I am pursuing a master’s degree to further enhance my business acumen and open doors to new opportunities. From a young age, I’ve been deeply passionate about the fashion and beauty industries. When I was 10 years old, I began designing clothes, but due to financial constraints and other commitments, I wasn’t able to pursue it seriously at the time. Throughout college, my focus was on academics and athletics I was heavily involved as a cheerleader so starting a business wasn’t on my radar.

However, after my graduation on May 4, 2024, my path took a significant turn. I felt a strong calling from God to truly pursue the talents He had given me, particularly in makeup artistry. I have always had a love for makeup, which began when I was 13 years old. At that time, I struggled with acne and turned to makeup to cover my scars and blemishes. I taught myself through watching tutorials from prominent makeup artists on YouTube, which fueled my passion even more.
Although I have been passionate about makeup for years, I only began taking it seriously as a career less than six months ago. In that short time, I have already received recognition for my talent, and it has been a rewarding journey to see how my skills have developed. This led me to establish my own brand, ‘Wayda Dolled Me,’ where my mission is to help people feel confident and beautiful by enhancing their natural beauty through makeup.

My long-term vision for my career is to work with major beauty brands, whether through collaborations or in a marketing capacity. I am equally interested in helping brands expand their reach through strategic marketing initiatives as I am in perfecting my craft as a makeup artist. I also aspire to work with celebrities, providing makeup services for high-profile events, photoshoots, and media appearances. Additionally, I aim to attend and participate in major fashion events as a representative of my brand. It’s important to me that ‘Wayda Dolled Me’ becomes synonymous with excellence, creativity, and empowerment in the beauty industry.

One of the values I hold dear is the importance of perseverance and finishing what you start. This has been a guiding principle for me throughout my journey. Initially, I didn’t have a passion for attending college, but I remained committed to my education, and now I’m working toward my second degree. My education, coupled with my passion, is what I believe will continue to open doors for me as an entrepreneur. Every step I take in my academic and professional life is a stepping stone toward achieving my goals.

I am deeply grateful for all the opportunities that have come my way and remain open to any new possibilities that will help me grow and stand out in this competitive industry. I draw strength and guidance from my faith, particularly from Psalm 27:13-14: ‘I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.’ This verse serves as a constant reminder to be patient, trust in God’s timing, and continue working diligently toward my vision for the future.”

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?
Since starting my career as a makeup artist, one of the most significant challenges I have faced has been building both confidence and clientele. Transitioning into this field with no prior experience working on others was an intimidating and difficult process. While I had spent years honing my personal makeup skills, doing makeup for clients required a different level of expertise and adaptability that I had yet to develop.

When I first launched ‘Wayda Dolled Me,’ I made a substantial investment of $1,000 into my business. This was spent on a wide range of makeup products, including various shades of foundation to cater to diverse skin tones, as well as other essential tools and supplies. Despite this investment, my biggest concern was whether I would be able to attract clients. The uncertainty of starting a business, especially in such a competitive industry, weighed heavily on me, and I knew that gaining the trust and loyalty of clients would be critical to my success.
Overcoming these initial challenges required persistence, self-belief, and a willingness to continuously improve my craft. I had to work hard to build my confidence, knowing that each client experience would teach me something new and ultimately help me grow as a makeup artist.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
My business, ‘Wayda Dolled Me,’ is a makeup artistry brand that focuses on enhancing natural beauty through high-quality makeup products and beauty glam services. As a makeup artist, I pride myself on delivering exceptional results while creating a positive and memorable experience for each client. What truly sets me apart is my commitment to individuality while I admire the artistry of others, I never compare myself to anyone. I believe that each of us has our own unique journey, and I embrace that in my work.

One of the things I am most proud of is the growth of my brand, particularly as a solo entrepreneur. Building ‘Wayda Dolled Me’ from the ground up has been an incredibly rewarding experience, and watching it evolve has only fueled my passion further. For those who may be hesitant to try makeup or seek professional services, I want you to know that my approach is welcoming and professional. I create a fun and outgoing environment where everyone feels comfortable.

My mission is to help women feel empowered and confident, no matter their skin concerns whether it’s beauty marks, acne, or scars. These features do not define beauty; instead, it’s confidence and a kind heart that truly radiate. My goal is to bring out that confidence in every person I work with.

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Starting my business, ‘Wayda Dolled Me,’ has required me to take several significant risks, many of which were financial. One of the biggest risks I faced was investing my last dollars into my business with no guarantee of making it back. I knew that in order to succeed, I needed to invest in quality products and tools, but the uncertainty of whether I would generate enough clientele to recover that investment was always on my mind. This leap of faith, however, was necessary for me to build the foundation of my brand.

Another risk I took was putting myself out there and asking others for support or collaboration. Reaching out to people, especially in a competitive industry, can be daunting because not everyone is welcoming or supportive. I was scared to approach certain individuals, knowing that some might not respond positively or may even be discouraging simply because I was pursuing something they weren’t. Despite these challenges, I pushed through, understanding that taking risks and putting myself outside my comfort zone is essential for growth.
Risk-taking is an inevitable part of entrepreneurship, and while it’s intimidating, it has also been the catalyst for much of my personal and professional growth. It has taught me resilience and the importance of believing in myself, even in uncertain times.

Pricing:

• Soft Glams $80
• Wayda Glam $95

Contact Info:

• Website: https://waydadolledme.as.me/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waydadolledme_?igsh=MXJrNHEzOGV6dHA3cQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr