Few have navigated as many paths as Jaleesa Jaikaran. She’s a makeup artist, a podcaster, an Ulta Beauty Pro Team member, and an educator, balancing it all with a love for creativity and a drive to make a difference. From growing up in Trinidad to working backstage with beauty industry icons like Kabuki, Sir John, and Pat McGrath, Jaikaran’s journey is anything but ordinary.
Why You Need to Tune In to This Episode of Hitting Pan
Ever wonder what it takes to become one of the most sought-after artists in beauty without hitting the snooze button on your dreams? On this week’s episode of IPSY’s Hitting Pan podcast, Jaikaran gets to the bottom of what it’s like to juggle makeup brushes, recording equipment, and some seriously tight backstage timelines—all while keeping her cool. Watch a highlight of her episode below, then head to Spotify to catch the full thing.
Key Takeaways: A Career Built on Skill and Heart
Big Dreams, Small Town: From the heart of Trinidad to the hustle of New York, Jaikaran’s story is a testament to believing in yourself (and sometimes manifesting it). That first gig with Kabuki? It came after she offered to work for free, and it paid off—big time.
Backstage Bootcamp: Working with Kabuki meant more than blending skills; it taught her the subtle art of on-set survival. You’ve got 5 minutes to beat a face? No problem. Try doing it while three other artists work on the same model.
Mastering the Mix: Balancing her roles as a makeup artist, content creator, and podcaster requires organization and a lot of Asana. Jaikaran shares how she juggles these roles, leaning into each one as needed, and why she believes staying adaptable is the key to success in beauty.
Additional Resources & Products Mentioned
Final Thoughts
Jaleesa Jaikaran’s life in beauty is a masterclass in passion, purpose, and hard work. She’s proof that you don’t have to choose between artistry and authenticity—you can have both. Whether you’re a budding makeup artist, a content creator, or just someone looking to find your own unique path, Jaikaran’s story is a reminder to stay true to your roots and give back along the way.
New episodes of Hitting Pan drop every Thursday. Follow Hitting Pan on Spotify to catch the full episodes, or listen on Apple Podcasts, iHeart, or wherever you get your podcasts. And don’t forget to follow IPSY on Instagram and TikTok for all the latest Hitting Pan news (plus so much more!).
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