CHEERS TO 10 YEARS

MILESTONES ARE OFTEN a time of reflection. And Jen Bobay’s 10-yearanniversary of founding Jar Bar Makeup is no exception.

Jar Bar Makeup is a mineral makeup line that is free of parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, and talc.

“When I first launched my company in 2014, I thought my business would be more education about makeup application—teaching my friends and their daughters how to use makeup and what was in their products,” she explains. “It was kind of an accident that we ended up marketing the makeup itself.”

Bobay believes today that her calling is bigger than selling makeup. So, she’s tapping into her science teacher toolbox to teach women of all ages the meditative powers of a good beauty regimen. While her glosses will continue to be available at The Lake Forest Shop and her Gloss and Glow Pop Ups also will be offered at her favorite boutiques, educating clients on how to be their own makeup artist will be Bobay’s focus going forward.

“I love being a teacher,” says Bobay, who in addition to running her beauty brand also teaches science at St. Francis Xavier in Wilmette. She has also taught junior high at the School of St. Mary in Lake Forest. “There is something about building up others through what you teach them that is so rewarding. I see it every day with my classroom of students and the teachers I work alongside. Now I want to be able to create this same type of change and empower women through what I know about makeup and beauty.”

Bobay credits much of her success to the collaborative network of people in her corner. “Ellen Stirling was an incredible role model to me,” she says of the late owner of The Lake Forest Shop. “And throughout my life, my mother, husband, son, and several friends have stepped in and helped me with many things. Working with others has been my favorite part of creating Jar Bar. My grandmother used to listen to women share their problems when she would be doing their hair as a stylist. And when they would ask for advice, she lifted them up with the art of beauty.”

10 Lessons Jen Bobay Has Learned in 10 Years of Business

1. Surround yourself with creative, positive people.
2. Stick to the core of why you started.
3. Relationships build businesses.
4. True relationships in business are fostered through personal touches.
5. If you have a good product, it will sell despite everything.
6. Build a beautiful line that has products that are universally flattering.
7. Less competition, more collaboration.
8. Recognize talent and recruit them to your inner circle.
9. Listen to people you trust.
10. Wear a great lipstick.

To learn more about Bobay and her brand Jar Bar Makeup, visit jarbarmakeup.com.