To those of you that know me, you know what makeup is to me. To those of you that don't, makeup is more than my career, it's my passion, my art, my whole life. I do special f/x, body paint, beauty, and bridal. I love my clients so much, and get such joy out of giving each one my all. There is no better feeling than seeing a brides face when she looks in the mirror on her special day. Makeup is so much more than a tool of vanity, it's something that can help build confidence. I've taught people how to cover their insecurities, and feel beautiful, and thats more rewarding than any job could ever be. Makeup is not just my job, its my calling.  

I moved to LA from Detroit in March to further my pro mua career. On April 23rd, my car was broken into and my entire kit was stolen. All of my makeup, my brushes, my professional lighting etc. I have absolutely nothing left in terms of professional makeup.  

I was supposed to be on set early this morning. I live with a roommate, and we have a guest staying with us in the living room. I didn’t want to wake everyone up from lugging my stuff through the small apartment early in the morning, so I thought I was doing the right thing by packing my kit and car the night before. I’ve left things in my car plenty of times. I was sure to use a black tarp and cover the things, so through the tinted windows of my SUV it truly looked like nothing was back there.

That makeup kit and brush belt are everything I have worked for over the last 10 years. Things that I aspired to have when I officially started my career in 2010. All pieces of my kit were high-end professional makeup. Most of my brushes were MAC brushes, even the box was a professional train case, which cost a pretty penny. My entire livelyhood, gone quite literally over night.

I know they say that these moments of hitting rock bottom are what define us, and I won't let this define me as a quitter. The sole reason I moved to LA was to peruse my makeup career. While I won’t let this stop me, it’s certainly put me at a halt. The total amount lost was well over $6000. Unfortunately, my insurance does not cover this type of theft. Moving to LA was a huge expense on it's own, so I have nothing left to rebuild a kit.

I've been though quite a bit of hardship in my lifetime, but through it, I've never been one to ask for anything. I certainly never thought I'd find myself making a go fund me page, but the amount of encouragement I've received to do so is astounding. Any thing that anyone cares to donate is so incredibly appreciated. I truly love what I do more than anything in world, and there's nothing I want more than to get back to it. I know that we're given lessons to test how we react, and through the amazing support of my family and friends I know this isn't the end, its just a way to come out stronger than ever. 

I can't thank anyone enough for the love, support, and encouragement that has already been given to me. I appreciate any help more than you'll ever know.


Thank you from the bottom of my heart, 
Jamie Gasper - Pro MUA
www.makeupjamie.com