When I was first made aware of Jamie O’Neill by a friend and colleague, she was described to me as a “triple threat.” She’s a professional makeup artist who’s the founder of Skull Sugar Cosmetics (a brand made with all-natural ingredients, free of harmful chemicals), the owner of PDX Glam Squad (an on-location hair and makeup services company), a holistic health healer (she’s also the founder of Silver Moon Holistic), and a published author. In fact, as this interview goes to press, Jamie will soon be appearing at the LA Times Festival of Books, promoting her own; Unbreakable: A Journey of Healing, Growth & Self-Discovery. The topic is one Jamie is well versed in, as she is someone who has overcome many setbacks and persevered against odds to become the successful lady she is today.
Also as this goes to press, Jamie has plans to make public speaking appearances in the near future, so readers and fans of her work will get to see and meet her in person. However, these will be far more than just your typical meet-and-greet fan events. As Jamie tells me; “I’m planning to speak at events, retreats, and conferences where people are ready to dive deep, heal their wounds, and reclaim their power.”
Despite having such a full life with many irons in the fire, Jamie graciously took the time to answer my questions and introduce herself to readers of Idol Features. Read on to find out more about this extraordinary lady in this recent and exclusive interview. Photos courtesy of Jamie herself Scott D Lensman, and Juston Cardwell of Cardwell Photography.
CHRIS CHARLES: Hi Jamie and thanks for doing this. I know you’re a makeup artist who founded your own brand, a holistic health healer, and a published author. Which would you consider yourself first and foremost?
JAMIE O’NEILL: Thanks so much for having me! Honestly, first and foremost, I’d say I’m a storyteller—whether I’m painting a face, guiding someone through spiritual healing, or pouring my soul into the pages of a book, it all comes back to helping people uncover their truth and feel empowered in their own skin. Makeup was the first medium I used to help others feel seen, but over time, that evolved into deeper healing work and writing. So while my titles may vary, the heart of it is always the same: transformation.
CHRIS: You’ve been featured in publications such as Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Cliché, the German edition of Vanity Fair, just to name a few. Some of the real biggies. What would you say is the formula for your success?
JAMIE: Thank you! It still blows my mind sometimes. Honestly, the secret sauce has been equal parts grit, grace, and giving a damn. I built Skull Sugar Cosmetics from the ground up with zero investors—just a whole lot of passion, long nights, and caffeine. I said yes to opportunities before I felt ready, networked like a madwoman, and stayed rooted in purpose. I wasn’t trying to be the next anybody, I was trying to be the first me. And I think that authenticity, mixed with a little glam and a whole lot of hustle, is what caught the eyes of those major publications.
CHRIS: How did you come up with the name “Skull Sugar” Cosmetics for your company?
JAMIE: Skull Sugar was born from my obsession with Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) and the deeper meaning behind it. I’ve always been fascinated by the way this tradition celebrates life through honoring the dead, how it takes something as heavy as death and turns it into something vibrant, beautiful, and sacred. The sugar skulls especially spoke to me; they’re bold, artistic, and full of personality, just like the kind of makeup I wanted to create. I wanted a name that captured that contrast: edgy yet sweet, soulful but playful. “Skull Sugar” felt like the perfect mix of beauty, rebellion, and remembrance.
CHRIS: From your time working in the makeup industry before you founded Skull Sugar, did you feel there was a great need for all natural cosmetics without any artificial ingredients?
JAMIE: Absolutely. When I was working as a makeup artist backstage at fashion shows and on sets, I saw firsthand how many products were loaded with harsh chemicals, synthetic dyes, and cheap fillers. Models were breaking out, clients with sensitive skin were reacting badly, and I started asking; why are we still slathering our faces with junk just to look good?
There were very few brands at the time that were offering clean, high-performance makeup that didn’t sacrifice quality for health. So I decided to create it myself. Skull Sugar was my answer to that gap; bold, beautiful cosmetics that are talc-free, paraben-free, cruelty-free, and made with ingredients your skin doesn’t have to recover from. I wanted people to feel empowered and safe wearing makeup, not worried about what was lurking in the formula.
CHRIS: Did you work with chemists developing your cosmetic products?
JAMIE: Yes, I absolutely did. I’m a creative force, but when it comes to cosmetic formulation, I knew I needed experts in the lab to help bring my vision to life. I worked closely with chemists to ensure every product met my standards—no talc, no parabens, no harsh fillers, and definitely no fluff. I wasn’t just slapping my name on pre-made formulas; I was involved in the process from concept to testing, tweaking things until the pigment payoff, texture, and ingredient list aligned perfectly. It was important to me that Skull Sugar wasn’t just pretty—it had integrity, inside and out.
CHRIS: You are also the founder and owner of PDX Glam Squad. Tell me about that endeavor.
JAMIE: Yes! PDX Glam Squad is my beauty dream team in action. I created it to bring on-location hair and makeup services to weddings, events, photo shoots, and anyone wanting to feel like a total glam goddess, or god ….we don’t discriminate. It started in Portland, Oregon, hence the “PDX,” but we’ve traveled all over for clients.
Our squad is made up of talented, professional artists who specialize in everything from soft bridal glam to full red carpet slay. We’re all about enhancing natural beauty, hyping up our clients, and making them feel like their most confident selves. Whether it’s a bride on her big day or a CEO prepping for a brand shoot, PDX Glam Squad is there to bring the glow and good vibes.CHRIS: Do you find the cosmetics industry to be very competitive?
JAMIE: Oh, absolutely ….cutthroat might even be putting it lightly. The cosmetics industry is one of the most saturated and fast-paced industries out there. New brands pop up daily, trends shift overnight, and consumers are more educated than ever. But honestly? I love that challenge.
CHRIS: What would you say sets Skull Sugar apart for other top brands?
JAMIE: What sets Skull Sugar apart is that we’re not just chasing trends, we’re creating a movement. We’re blending bold artistry with conscious ingredients and unapologetic self-expression. I don’t want to be the biggest brand in the room, I want to be the realest. And in an industry full of smoke and mirrors, that kind of authenticity is magnetic.
CHRIS: My friend and colleague Lien Mya Nguyen speaks very highly of you. I understand you worked as a makeup artist on a project you were both involved in?
JAMIE: Yes, I worked on Paint the Runway Purple in Portland, Oregon, and it was such a meaningful project for me. Skull Sugar Cosmetics was actually the official sponsor of the show, and I served as the lead makeup artist. I even created a custom purple eyeshadow just for the event to capture the energy and theme of the runway. It was an unforgettable night filled with creativity, purpose, and passion, and I was honored to play such a big role in bringing the vision to life.
CHRIS: I understand you have done professional modeling and acting?
CHRIS: Moving on to your writings; you have a chapter in the upcoming book Becoming an Unstoppable Woman: Rise of the Phoenix.
JAMIE: Yes, I’m incredibly honored to be a featured author in Becoming an Unstoppable Woman: Rise of the Phoenix, which is set to release in 2025. The book is a collaborative project featuring a powerhouse lineup of resilient, inspiring women who’ve faced the fire and came out stronger on the other side.
CHRIS: Was your book Unbreakable: A Journey of Healing, Growth & Self-Discovery something that was a long time in the making?
JAMIE: Unbreakable: A Journey of Healing, Growth & Self-Discovery was actually a fast but deeply intentional project. I poured my heart into it over the course of about nine months. It was intense, emotional, and incredibly healing to write. While the experiences behind the book took years to live through, the actual writing process came together in less than a year once I committed to telling my story. It became a raw and honest reflection of everything I’ve survived and the tools I used to grow through it. I wanted it to feel like a lifeline for anyone navigating their own storm—and that’s exactly what I set out to create.
JAMIE: Yes, exactly. I chose to publish under Jamie L. O’Neill or Jamie Lynn O’Neill to avoid confusion with the male author who shares the same name. As flattering as it is to be name twins with a published writer, I wanted to make sure readers could clearly distinguish my work—especially since our genres and voices are very different. Plus, using my full name felt more personal and true to the woman behind the words.
CHRIS: Would you say there was a major turning point in your life?
JAMIE: Yes, absolutely. The biggest turning point in my life was the moment I hit rock bottom—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. After years of addiction, trauma, and self-destruction, I had a near-death experience that forced me to face everything I had been running from. That moment cracked me open and set me on a path of deep healing, self-discovery, and ultimately, transformation. It was the beginning of my journey to becoming who I am today.
CHRIS: Was there anyone who served as an inspiration to you while you were growing up?
JAMIE: Yes, my greatest inspiration growing up was my great-grandmother. She was the one who first encouraged me to pursue a career in beauty. I used to do her hair before church on Sundays, and those moments were sacred—just the two of us, bonding over curlers and hairspray. She saw my talent before I ever took it seriously and always told me I had a gift. Her belief in me gave me the confidence to step into the beauty industry and eventually build my own brand. To this day, I carry her spirit with me in everything I do.
CHRIS: I assume all of your tattoos have a special significance?
JAMIE: Yes, absolutely, every tattoo I have tells a piece of my story. They’re like a visual diary etched into my skin, each one representing a chapter of my life. Some honor loved ones I’ve lost, others mark places I’ve traveled or milestones I’ve survived, and many reflect the things I hold sacred; spiritual symbols, personal mantras, reminders of who I am and what I’ve overcome. My body is my canvas, and my ink is my truth.
JAMIE: I started Silver Moon Holistic because I knew deep in my soul that I was meant to help people heal—not just on the surface, but at the deepest, most spiritual level. After going through my own journey of trauma, addiction, and transformation, I realized how powerful it was to have someone guide you, hold space for you, and help you reconnect with your soul’s purpose. I became that guide I once needed.
CHRIS: I understand you are planning public speaking engagements in the near future?
JAMIE: Yes, I am! Public speaking has been calling to me for a while now, and I finally feel ready to step into that space. After everything I’ve lived through, and all the healing, rebuilding, and soul-searching I’ve done, I know my story can help others feel less alone and more empowered. I’m planning to speak at events, retreats, and conferences where people are ready to dive deep, heal their wounds, and reclaim their power. Whether I’m talking about addiction recovery, self-worth, spiritual awakening, or building a business from nothing, my goal is to inspire others to rise from whatever ashes they’re sitting in. If I can spark even one person’s transformation with my words, it’s all worth it.
CHRIS: Do you have any skills or hobbies that only those close to you would know about?
JAMIE: Yes! Most people know me for my spiritual work and glam game, but those closest to me know I’ve got a serious love for karaoke and painting. Hand me a mic and put on some Evanescence, and it’s over—I will absolutely channel my inner Amy Lee and belt it like my soul depends on it.
CHRIS: I see that you go all out with your Halloween costumes. With this being pretty much Halfway to Halloween, have you decided what you’ll dress as this year?
JAMIE: Great question! I’ll be doing Halloween in Mexico this year. I’m considering a custom piece from the TV show Love. Death. Robots. I do make it my yearly ritual to attend the Day of the Dead festivals in Mexico and that’s what I will be going for this Halloween. It ties in with my Day of the Dead stuff for Skull Sugar. I love costumes and will be having a Pirate Theme Party for my 46th birthday in June!
CHRIS: With that, I’ll thank you again for taking the time to do this for our readers, Jamie. In closing, any shout-outs to anyone?
JAMIE: Thank you so much, it’s been a pleasure! And absolutely, I’ve got a few shout-outs. First, to all the photographers and producers who believed in my makeup artistry early on and helped me get my start here as a transplant from Arizona—your faith in me meant everything. A huge shout-out to my family for their constant love and support through every wild chapter of this journey. And finally, to every person who’s ever challenged me, doubted me, or pushed me outside my comfort zone—thank you for being the fire that forged the best version of me. And a very special shout out to Juston Cardwell for shooting all my amazing cover images!
Find out when you can see more of Jamie at Linktree
Find Jamie’s written works on Amazon:
Journey of My Soul: A Guided Journal
Unbreakable: A Journey of Healing, Growth & Self-Discovery
About the author
Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Chris flirted with the music business there and in Nashville before joining the U.S. Army and serving in South Korea. He remained in Asia for several years afterwards, teaching English, traveling, and covering the regional entertainment scenes. Currently in a mindset between Seoul and San Francisco, besides Idol Features, you can also catch his writings in the print edition of the monthly magazine, Effective.
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