Emmy nominated and Guild Award winning make-up artist, Jai Williams entered the beauty industry while enjoying a successful international ballet career. He began in theater application, where he was commissioned to design, and apply make-up for dancers in stage productions around the world. During his travels he was able to fine-tune his craft, making up such celebrities as Jennifer Saunders in London, Japanese pop sensation Shingo Katori, in Tokyo as well as Mary J. Blige, Queen Latifa, Issa Rae, Vanessa Williams, Estelle, Regina Hall, Sanaa Lathan, Mahershala Ali, Ethan Hawke, Kevin Bacon and Lenny Kravitz in New York. His initial success as a freelance artist led him to work with top fashion photographers Cliff Watts, Nino Munoz, Alexi Lubomirski and Mike Ruiz’ bringing him further exposure in American Vogue, Harpers Bazaar and Flaunt magazine.
Jai has a deep seated passion for make-up and the art of make-up application, while his seamless, signature style is greatly influenced by the supermodel era of the 1990's. Inspired by Kevyn Aucoin, Sam Fine and Billy B, his goal is to create chic and sophisticated looks while upholding respect and appreciation for the beauty industry and industry insiders.
Originally from Las Vegas, Nevada, Jai moved to Texas to study ballet at the prestigious Houston Ballet Academy where his fundamental interest in make-up was introduced. He currently makes his home in New York City.
JAI