Altogether Lovely Makeup founder Jennifer Porrata has taken over 15 years' experience in the modeling and entertainment industry (including a stint as Mrs. New Jersey) and channeled it into makeup and ministry. Proceeds from Altogether Lovely's work benefit outreach performed by Porrata's OurLifeSongs Ministry. This mother and makeup artist gives us her take on being beautiful through and through.
What inspired you to become a makeup artist?
I found that when given the opportunity to do someone's hair and makeup, something special was happening. Not only was I able to create art, but, also, I was able to connect with the person sitting in front of me on a much deeper level through conversation. I believe that those who are in the styling workforce have an incredible chance to bring hop and inspiration to their clients. All women are gorgeous in their natural skin. True beauty is having the ability to speak life, love and hope into the life of someone else. My job is to enhance their God-given beauty while teaching different techniques that can help make them feel even more confident about themselves.
What's your specialty?
My passion is to support women from all walks of life. We specialize in on-set makeup, corporate head-shots, film, outreach events, proms, weddings and more, and cater to all skin types. I also love to partner with various nonprofits and organizations, including OurLifeSongs Ministry, which I co-founded. I give 10 percent of everything earned at Altogether Lovely directly to OurLifeSongs Ministry to help fund outreaches that bless women of all ages and support our mission to speak life into their lives.
Can you give an example of your mission in action?
We do a lot of work in transitional homes for teenage girls. Our last outreach was here in the Valley at a transitional home that houses 14 girls. I gathered a team and hosted a Valentine's Day mini-pampering outreach. Not only did the teens get a fun pampering session, they received a message of hope and inspiration. Watching them smile and light up with just a little bit of attention and love has given me a desire to do something like this in multiple transitional homes across the country. I have no doubt that one act of kindness has the ability to impact a life forever.
What's your best makeup tip for the summer?
Definitely bronzer, concealer and lip gloss! Being a mom of two little ones, this is my regimen every morning and it always makes me feel like I have a little glow. It's a simple way to feel like you have a beautiful summer tan with a fresh glossy lip but still keeps you looking naturally beautiful.
What have you learned in the modeling and entertainment industry?
I'm truly grateful for the opportunities I've had within the industry. What I have learned most is to be confident in who I am. Being a former title-holder and experiencing the Mrs. America pageant allowed me to grow as a woman, learn makeup and hair techniques and establish lifelong friendships. Since founding Altogether Lovely Makeup, I've been on set a lot and have had the opportunity to be on the other side of the camera, which has helped me relate to the talent in a different way. I believe all of these experiences have given me a vast ability to create many different looks for my clients.
Who is a fashion icon that inspires you?
I would say right now it's Alicia Keys and Lady Gaga. I believe that being a fashion icon isn't just about something that you wear on the outside buy how and what you stand for. They both march to the beat of their own drum and have started movements to inspire present and future generations. To me, this is the definition of a fashion icon.
What advice do you have for young women?
The best advice that I can give to any woman is to wear her own armor. Be confident in the fact that you were created for a purpose, and that you are unique and priceless.
What motivates you to have a positive attitude?
I just celebrated the two-year anniversary of my dad passing away from a glioblastoma brain tumor. Going through that has really made me look at life completely different. I'm more passionate about the things I love and try to live each day in the many moments that we are given. I believe that showing love to others and doing something about it has the ability to change someone's day. I couldn't do any of this without the many hands and hearts that are involved in each outreach.
