We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessie Wagner and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessie, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?

I have been a professional makeup artist for 12 years and I think what sets me apart from others is my transparency in my business. If you follow me on social media, you will know when I am happy and joyful, and you will also know when I am sad and upset. I am not good at “faking it.” While I viewed this sensitivity as a weakness in my younger years, as I got older I realized it was actually my superpower and people resonate with knowing you are human and not a perfect put together human being all the time.

So I would say the most important factor behind the success of my brand is authenticity.

I am also honest with my clientele and own what makes me “me.” I am a makeup artist that gravitates towards a more natural look, and while I can do glamorous makeup, a more natural look is what I am known for, what I truly love the most, and what I am best at.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am most proud of my business growth since moving to Colorado. It hasn’t always been easy and believe me, when I first moved here I did a lot of work for free just to get my name out there. Slowly but surely, I saw my name being recommended in Facebook groups, I would get emails saying “so and so referred me to you,” etc. and that made all of that hard work and free labor worth it.

Some lessons I have learned along the way is that it is okay to say no. This is one that I am still actively working on practicing but I have gotten much better at over the years. If someone comes to me with a super fun creative project but I know that another artist in the area would do a better job, I am going to refer that person to that artist. I know what my strengths are and what I enjoy doing most, and not that I am not up for a challenge, but I also know what I do best, and that’s taken time to accept.

The most important thing for people to know about my brand is that I believe that true beauty comes from within. Makeup is a fun form of self-expression and beauty but the most beautiful things to me are someone’s heart, their personality, how they think of themselves, and how they treat others. To me, that’s beauty.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If I had a friend visiting town I would take them to some of my favorite breweries in Fort Collins- Maxline Brewing, Gilded Goat Brewing Company and of course I would have to take them to New Belgium. Pro tip- wear your Birkenstocks or Chacos to fit right in! 

I would make sure to take them bike riding along some of my favorite trails, Spring Creek & the Poudre trial. Also can’t forget shopping in Downtown Fort Collins & Loveland, there are so many cute shops that are one of a kind. The Perennial Gardener for all things home related, Vintage Willows (in Loveland) for the cutest high quality but affordable clothes in the area, Little Piece of My Heart for unique and quirky things, Makerfolk to see so many amazing local artists work including gifts, t-shirts, candles, cards, jewelry- there is a little something for everyone that you can find there and you’re supporting a local maker, which in my opinion, makes it even more of a win.

Depending on the time of year, but I am hypothetically going to say it’s summer time, I would make sure to take them to the Food Truck Rally on Tuesday nights at City Park. Lastly, I would make sure to take them up to Estes, and into Rocky Mountain National Park. How cool is it that it’s like a 45 minute drive to one of the most beautiful parks that exists?!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are a lot of people I would love to dedicate my shoutout to! First, would be my husband, he works a more traditional job with benefits, and that allows me the flexibility to stay at home with our three-year old daughter (soon-to-be two kiddos) and work my business. We don’t have family close by so when I take on a weekday wedding or photoshoot, he takes the day off so that I can do that. I simply cannot do what I do without him. He’s also my biggest cheerleader and I know so proud that I get to do what I love to do.

Next, my parents who showed me that even if you decide to take a more unconventional route, like being a creative or artist and not say, a doctor, it’s okay as long as you are being your best self and making this world a better place.

Last, my Fort Collins/Northern Colorado community. I have lived here for five years and I have never felt as at home as I do in Fort Collins. The sense of belonging and community here is unparalleled. There are so many beautiful people that do amazing things. I think if you talk to any business owner here, we all have a recommendation for something. Need a place to get the best cheese in town? I know where to send you. How about a spray tan? I also know where to send you. We are all about community, and I love that.

Website: alegriabeautyco.com

Instagram: alegriabeautyco

Other: Tiktok: @alegriabeautyco

Image Credits
Blue Canoe Photography, Wild Bliss Photography, Caitlin Stueben Photography, Aubrey Nicole Photography for my headshot

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.