life.style.etc. JENNY MCKINNEY, MAKEUP ARTIST
“My daily practice is curiosity and resilience mixed with enthusiasm and gratitude.” WORDS + PHOTOGRAPHY LIA CROWE
I photographed Jenny on the side of a mountain at the end of Boulevard’s fashion shoot at Big White Ski Resort just as the last light faded from the sky. But Jenny can light up a dark winter day with her radiant smile; she is also a talented makeup artist, a key member of Boulevard Okanagan and the heart and soul of our fashion team. She exudes beauty and style but, more importantly, the style in which she lives her life is inspiring beyond the exterior. Asked how she got started as a makeup artist, Jenny said, “I started playing with and creating makeup in Grade 3 and quickly became obsessed with creativity and enhancing beauty. By age 12, I was producing and photographing my own photo shoots; putting outfits together, styling hair [which sometimes she cut] and doing the makeup.” She’s spent more than 20 years in the beauty industry, so I wonder what aspect of her work fires her up the most. “The trust and connection that is required to get the best result when doing makeup is precious. I adore meeting my clients where they are and taking them to where they want to go. When someone’s unique beauty is truly celebrated, I believe they look like the best version of themself.” Asked what she is passionate about outside of work and what lessons she has learned from her passion, she says: “I’ve always been passionate about personal growth; I love learning, growing and sharing. I will often be listening to podcasts or books on Audible as much or more than music.” She adds, “Attending events and workshops that enrich is absolutely life-giving. I’ve learned that life supports what supports life, meaning the power of gratitude and keeping my eyes and heart tuned to see grace in action have helped me peel away unsupportive thought patterns, choices or interpretations of events.” And what does good style mean to her? “It’s more about how seeing someone who is grounded in their truth and expression as a one-of-a-kind individual as opposed to what label they wear, what colour they choose or where they buy it.” 10
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When it comes to her personal style, Jenny describes it as eclectic, evolving and intuition-driven. “I love monochromatic looks, colourful looks, statement pieces and
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flashy looks, as well as looks that are clean and simple. I guess I just love what I love and it doesn’t fit into a box!”