After university, she began her makeup career with MAC Cosmetics, the obsession that started off as a hobby became a job! Here she was lucky enough to be exposed to some of best makeup artists in the industry. And now ten years on she find herself still being just as excited as she was then with every new client she sees. For her, makeup isn't just about what she want to do, but it's figuring out what the client really wants. Her experience is from brides that are specific to more indecisive ones and for her that makes it all the more fun and challenging. Trials are a great way to master the look, quite often we will start by an idea and what we end up with is completely different from what we started with. That is what she cares about, creating something that makes them look and feel their most beautiful. She also tries her hardest to make sure the bride has a smooth running, enjoyable morning - after all its considered the biggest day of a girl's life!
The big day is not just for the Bride, but the all-important Bridesmaids. I was a Bridesmaid this year; a very good friend of mine asked me and I was thrilled to say yes, but little did I know, six months later, her brother would be my ex.
When I told Joanna about the wedding and my looming predicament - my ex was coming with his new girlfriend, (our cleaner!) - she understood immediately why I needed help. I wanted to look HOT. Hotter than I had ever looked before. It was imperative to my continued existence that I look hot on the day.
However, I couldn't meet Jo in time, my ridiculously hectic schedule at my new job in the BBC, prevented me from gaining a minute with Jo before the big day and I'd left it too late for makeover on D-day. I was so disheartened and faced the wedding with pale foundation and a bizarre attempt at blending my eyeshadow.
But Jo went above and beyond and sent me a step by step guide on how to make my face flawless, how to brighten my cheeks, make my eyes sparkle and my lips kissable. She made me feel confident to pick up my make up brushes, dust off my old tired look and go bold! And it totally worked, the day came I and looked HOT and I felt confident.
My battle amor; lippie, mascara, highlighter and a great eye shadow made me Bridesmaid ready. What new girlfriend?!
Now I must confess; I had a touch up by the makeup artist (traitor); but without Jo's make up manual, with everything detailed including shades matching my dress, application, what products to use for long wear use and how to touch up, I'd have never have made it through the day with a smile.
Jo - let's hope you are doing my make up on my wedding day. I wouldn't use anyone else.
Charlene Butler
I have used Jo many times for weddings and special occasions. She is a delight to be with. So professional but at the same time she has an easy friendly confident approach to helping you decide on which look you want to achieve with amazing results. Never hurried always professional but sensitive and friendly. She really is an absolute gem and I would not hesitate at all in recommending her.
Susanne Bernstein
Joanna was recommended to me for my wedding and she was absolutely fantastic. She is incredibly talented, myself and my bridesmaids all received such lovely compliments on the day about our flawless make up. Jo is an absolute pleasure to work with and is a makeup artist that you can trust to make you look and feel your best - I cannot sing her praises enough.
Heather Fantham