At Churchill's Pub with Jen Kabuki

© Pamela Wasabi / MFb

Her leopard purse by her side, a red rose in her hair, Jen Kabuki sat at the bar sipping a Grey Goose and cranberry. Her white skin was so perfect, I wanted to reach out and touch her to prove that she was real. She looked like a pin-up photograph. 

This should't have surprised me. Kabuki is a make-up artist, after all. She specializes in pin-up make-up for editorials, special effects, and production make-up. She is as eloquent as she is elegant. And being a Miami-native, she know's where to hang. Which is why we were meeting at Churchill's.

What are you wearing?

Black Ralph Lauren dress from Bloomingdales, Iron Fist Zombie High Heels – [I] got them from their website. The flower on my head is from Demented Dames Boutique. Bracelet [was a] gift from my sister – maybe from Macy’s [but I] am not sure.

Do you think that you had the make-up bug in you before your studies and previous training?

Absolutely, I’ve been an artist my whole life, I do a lot of painting and drawing. It was really easy to do the transition from artist to make-up artist. I just wanted to go to school to have something to back it up.

Why make-up ?

I was actually a computer technician before; for a web hosting company. Sitting in that desk it made me long for that artsy life. My friend just suggested me to go and do make-up and I did. Best decision I’ve done in a long time.

What’s Kabuki?

It’s from my favorite song from the band The Descendants, "Kabuki Girl." [It's also from] the style of a [Japanese] theater and the makeup they do on that theater.

Can you relate your career to any childhood anecdotes?

I’ve been using my mother’s make-up since I was 4 years old. And every chance my friends gave me to do their make-up I took it.

Is it easy to survive and pursue your career in Miami’s entertainment industry?

It is. New York offers a lot of runaway shows, LA offers a lot of production shows and Miami offers a mixture of both. I take advantage of these opportunities.

What do you like better then, fashion or film?

Production. Absolutely. I will love to work in film.

If you have to use other words rather than '"make-up artist," what would you call yourself?

I’m an artist. I’m an artist fist then a make-up artist. I also design accessories. I’m actually a co-owner of the Demented Dames Boutique.

Who are some of the fashion brands, names or artists that you admire in Miami and why?

Definitely Jannette Valentine from Terribly Girly. She is bringing back the vintage feel that I love to see. Make-up artist-wise, Jenn DiTerlizzi Basing and Virginia La fey. Those two are really what I aspire to be. I would love to get to their level one day.

What’s your motto?

Passion, professionalism, patience and perseverance.