Today we’d like to introduce you to Jocelyn Rivera
Hi Jocelyn, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have so many passions that begin somewhere, but local markets is where the community began for me. I started reading tarot for myself and friends in 2020, and in 2022 I did my first market. I’ve had really amazing opportunities since then like reading tarot for a Planned Parenthood fundraiser, vending in Austin, being offered opportunities to vend out of state and even being able to base myself in a studio where I offer in person readings weekly. I was also fortunate enough to be able to teach other people how to read tarot as well in 2024 by hosting classes at Beauty Haus with the help of my friend Jonabelle. The biggest gift of it all for me is being able to connect with so many amazing people everyday, through the community, and especially through tarot.
Apart from tarot, makeup and art have always been a big part of my life, and I knew I wanted to introduce that in a fun unique way into the community, so in December 2023 I did my first ever market where I face painted people! When you think of face paint you usually think unicorns, Spider-Man and that Six Flags kind of vibe. So I leaned into something that aligned with me more and tend to focus more on graphic liner, creative clown paint, and spookier looks. I’ve always had a passion for painting especially on my face, so to be able to bring my art in such a cool and unique way to the community feels so good. Not only that, but to be trusted by strangers to paint something badass feels even better. (Yes, the clowns are my favorite to paint)
In May of 2024 I hosted my first creative event called Cirque de Silk. It was a circus themed event that held dance acts, mimes and a solo art exhibition all curated by me! This was definitely a big moment for me as it was my first art installation and my first event I’ve hosted on my own. One of my proudest pieces was the 5 photographs of some friends all painted by me, each in a different makeup look. It was the first time I challenged myself to create individual looks for 5 people in a span of hours and was more than happy with the outcome. That event as a whole was more than I could’ve hoped for and definitely a learning experience!
I’m super grateful and proud of how far I’ve come and how many amazing creatives I’ve been able to connect with all because we share the same passions and have great communities to explore them with. I recently graduated from cosmetology school and am working to get licensed, so that is where I’m at in my journey now and can’t wait to explore and dig into new and fresh energy.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s never a smooth road, I definitely had my fair shares of challenges that prolonged certain goals of mine. I think the hardest thing for me was having the motivation to keep pursuing all these creative endeavors of mine. I definitely got burnt out and had to take some time to recharge from certain things. When your body is tired you listen to it and give yourself the rest you need. It can also get challenging to start things back up again though, especially after taking some much needed time off. As long as you finish what you start is what I tell myself.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a creative and a recently graduated cosmetology student! I’m currently in the process of getting my cosmetology license, apart from that I am also a tarot reader and creative in general! I wouldn’t necessarily say I specialize in anything in particular, but my biggest passion is definitely makeup, art, and just creation in general. My proudest moment in 2024 was definitely throwing my first event / art exhibition. It was beyond memorable and a night full of love and friends. I was able to get a collaboration with 13th floor and Beauty Haus and had a turnout i could have only hoped for. I’m also proud of my dedication and tenacity because there has definitely been moments where I was unsure where I was heading. I think my outlook can set me apart from others. I want freshness in the things I create, so I’m constantly trying to stay a couple steps ahead or thinking outside a lot of boxes. I think the dream career balance for me is Makeup/ Hair/ Salon Owner but also event coordination and maybe a couple markets and events here and there, sounds like a logistical nightmare!
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Oh definitely! So so much support from not only my friends and loved ones, but from people in my community or fellow vendors. My friend Jonabelle has also helped me tremendously and has given me the space to be able to achieve certain things in my career I didn’t think I’d be able to accomplish or experience as a young adult. Also literally anyone that has ever reached out to me to work a market or event or has asked for my help with anything, wouldn’t be where I’m at without the support <3
Pricing:
- Tarot Readings start at $5 and go up to $50 depending on your choice
- Makeup $45-65
- Haircuts $45
- Tarot Reader for your private event $50/hr
- Freestyle Facepaint $10-25
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @filthysilk
- Other: https://linktr.ee/filthysilk
Image Credits
Jonabelle Timms
Chloe Achille
Abe de la Rosa
Ezra Alvarado
Jocelyn Rivera
Mia Rose
