We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica Bradley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
As my mom always said, I always had my hands in something creative as a child. My love for fashion and beauty photography started early on at the age of 13, where I would experiment with hair and makeup on friends to create looks. Living in a small town (8k people or so), fashion and beauty resources were limited, I started working in hair salon as a receptionist that gave me a little more access to experimentation with the photography I was drawn to. I went on to pursue a bachelors in Fine Arts Photography in a bigger city. I found myself photographing weddings, senior photos, and abstract ideas – this was not my passion and it showed. Throughout this, I fell out of love with photography and went on to do other retail and office work. This, however, did not feed my creative need as a professional, and eventually found myself back in the hair/beauty industry managing a salon spa.

I decided I wanted to provide beauty services, and completed schooling for my estheticians license. I quickly found a knack in eyelash artistry, and in less than 6 months of lashing, I went onto win an international eyelash competition (Fans’ Choice award in Novalash’s annual LashOFF). In Jan 2020, I opened a studio (Vici Collective) where I could do not only eyelash extensions, but also my original love of beauty/fashion photography. Today, I hold 5 certifications in eyelash extensions and have a full clientele, while being able to do photography for my business.

Opening Vici Collective has expanded my creative career in ways I couldn’t have imagined. I’ve always considered my skillset multifaceted, and owning a business has allowed me to do everything I love.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m a person who loves to do it all. If I’m in, I’m in at 110%. Throughout the years, I’ve become accustomed to setting a goal, meeting it, and wanting to set more. I would say what sets me apart is my multifaceted skillset in the industry. I’m able to do my own marketing (graphic/web design, photography, etc), as well as the beauty styling to go along with it.

Before starting my business Vici Collective, I was struggling to find how I could connect my passion of beauty photography with my skillset of lash artistry. I truly feel as if I’ve been able to combine my skillsets to do exactly what I love doing. I’m so humbled to be in a position where I truly and whole heartedly do what I love – for a profession!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m located in Green Bay, WI! While its quite a contrast to warm and sunny Phoenix, I would say our city has a lot to offer. Lambeau Field, free flowing water falls, and all the deep fried cheese curds you could ever need!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
To be honest, its hard to name just one. I’m overwhelmingly supported by my family and peers. My parents have always been supportive of my artistic passions, and are happy to see me pursuing my passion of photography, mixed into the beauty business. My husband, Damon, whom has been there throughout the highs and lows (navigating a non-essential business during covid, to name one!) of opening and maintaining a small business. Clients of Vici Collective, who trust me with their beauty routines and allow me to provide services for them (this year, I was also able to contribute all tips on services to local non-profits in my area).

Website: www.vicicollective.com

Instagram: @Jessicasunbradley

Facebook: Facebook.com/vicicolletive

Image Credits
Photographer/Lash Artistry – Jessica Sun Bradley Makeup Artist – Lauren Pagel

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.