What does beauty mean to you—and how has your relationship with it evolved over the years?

In this vibrant episode, Emily chats with Jess Elbaum, celebrity hair and makeup artist and national artist for Sisley Paris, about the power of beauty as self-expression and the freedom that comes with embracing your own personal style. From her Indiana roots to the sets of Modern Family and Entourage, Jess shares her inspiring career journey and how the beauty industry has transformed through the years.

They also explore the pressure (and pleasure) of looking camera-ready, the evolution of routines in your 30s and 40s, and how living a childfree life can open up time, space, and confidence for radical self-care.

Key Takeaways

• Beauty as Expression, Not Perfection: Jess shares how makeup and hair can help us feel like the boldest, most alive version of ourselves.

• The Evolution of Routine: From cheerleading lipstick to late-blooming exercise routines, Jess reflects on how our self-care shifts with age and awareness.

• The Rise of DIY Beauty: How social media and tutorials have democratized beauty knowledge—and why the industry will never be the same.

• Childfree Freedom: Jess opens up about choosing not to have children and how that decision has shaped her career, her marriage, and her sense of fulfillment.

• Celebrity Wisdom: What Jess has learned from working with stars like Sofía Vergara—and why even the most famous faces lean on their glam squads for emotional support.

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Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are . She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way. 

Learn more about Emily on her website: www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.com  

And connect with her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curiouslifeofachildfreewoman/ 

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The guest on this episode, Jess Elbaum, has been a celebrity hairstylist and makeup artist for 20 plus years in Los Angeles & New York. She was the Key Hairstylist for over 8 years on Modern Family. Some other credits include, The Conners, & Magnum PI, Griselda, & Entourage. She has appeared in Allure, Marie Claire, & Elle magazine. Jess is now located in New York City & is the National Celebrity Artist for Sisley Paris. 

Connect with Jess on Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/jesselbaum