The Beauty of Community
Bobbe Joy Dawson’s journey from make-up artist to business leader
Bobbe Joy at home with her dog Sadie
BY CARY SCHULTZ | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL ALLEN
“I understood that this was my passion and my calling when I realized how much I could impact someone’s life for the better.” These words from Bobbe Joy Dawson capture the essence of a life dedicated to beauty — not just the kind that graces the surface, but the kind that touches the soul. From the moment she first experimented with makeup as a young receptionist at the Jon Peters Salon, Bobbe knew she had found her true calling. What began as a fascination with the latest trends in fashion magazines blossomed into a lifelong career that would see her transform faces and change lives.
Bobbe’s journey into the world of makeup artistry was, in many ways, a natural progression of her inherent creativity. Growing up as an only child, she was always drawn to the arts, but it wasn’t until she found herself surrounded by the glamour of Hollywood that she realized the power makeup held. “I practiced copying the newest looks in front of a mirror and wore those looks to work. All the clients wanted to know how to duplicate those styles,” she recalls. It was clear that Bobbe had a talent not just for application, but for envisioning how makeup could elevate someone’s entire presence. This early success was a sign of things to come.
Bobbe’s personal life, however, was as much a focus as her budding career. She married young, at the age of 19, and soon became a mother to Ian and Portia. After an 11-year marriage, Bobbe found herself raising her I“ two children as a single mother — a period that tested her resilience but also strengthened her resolve. “I felt the need to have more than one child because I was an only child myself.” Eventually, Bobbe found love again with Mitch Dawson, who not only became her husband but also adopted her children, solidifying their bond as a unified family. “We moved and started our lives anew in Beverly Hills.” This marked the beginning of a new chapter in her personal and professional life.
As Ian and Portia grew up in the Beverly Hills school system, Bobbe encouraged their creative pursuits. Ian’s passion for the arts led him to become an executive producer specializing in visual effects, virtual reality, and augmented reality. His work earned him nine Emmy Awards, a testament to the talent he had nurtured from a young age. Portia’s talents were inspired and realized at Beverly and USC’s drama departments. She became a professional actress, was a series regular on the NBC series Blossom and continued her career for more than 20 years. She is now an interior designer. These moments were milestones in her family’s journey, but they were soon to be outshined by the arrival of her four grandchildren, Mia, Max, Pearl, and Levi. “Those achievements were definitely upstaged by the births of my four precious grandchildren.”
In parallel with her family life, Bobbe’s career continued to ascend. She became a trusted name in the industry, working with top photographers and celebrities. These relationships opened doors to television and film work, where her makeup artistry was in high demand. “Once I started working with top-tier photographers, our subjects were mostly celebrities. Those celebrities felt comfortable with me, which led to long-term relationships.” Her work was not just about applying makeup; it was about creating a connection, understanding what each client needed to feel confident and beautiful. This approach led to her being sought after for major events, award shows, and film shoots, solidifying her reputation as one of Beverly Hills’ premier makeup artists. “Some of these people whose appearance I had changed continued using me for many, many years.”
Bobbe’s entrepreneurial spirit also led her to launch two lines of makeup. The first was developed during her time at Jon Peters Salon, a challenging endeavor in an era when cosmetic manufacturers were scarce and unaccommodating to small businesses. “Back in those days, they weren’t prepared to help a small business create a cohesive line.” But she persisted, and her unique vision began to take shape, earning her a reputation for innovation. Years later, she opened her own studio on South Beverly Drive, where she launched her second line, Makeup!BobbeJoy. This time, she was fully prepared to bring her creative ideas to life. “I created a lot of custom items — lipsticks, glosses, foundations — that not only appealed to clients but also made for great PR.” Her studio became a destination for those seeking personalized beauty solutions, attracting attention from magazines, local programming, and television shows alike.
Teaching and inspiring others has always been at the heart of Bobbe Joy Dawson’s work. She derives immense satisfaction from helping women see themselves in a new light, believing that when women feel good about their appearance, it can be the first step toward healing other areas of their lives. “I want them to find the very best in themselves,” she says.
“Sometimes, when they feel good about the outside, they can start to look inward to mend some of the negativity that plays on a loop in their brain.” This philosophy has guided her throughout her career, making her a trusted mentor and confidante to many.
Yet, reflecting on the beauty industry today, Bobbe is candid about her concerns, particularly regarding the extremes she sees on social media. Between 12-year-old makeup influencers who erase their faces only to pile on excessive products, and so-called "makeup artists" who smear on stripes of brown contour and white highlight, women are getting all the wrong messages. “Lips are so gigantic that they look like they could suck the paint off a Rolls Royce.” Her perspective is deeply personal; as a young woman, Bobbe struggled with acne and body image issues, believing she was overweight and unattractive. “I was quite insecure in my early years,” she admits, a vulnerability that has shaped her understanding of beauty and fueled her desire to help others see the best in themselves.
Bobbe's influence extends beyond her studio. As a long-standing member and the current Chairperson of the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce, she has become a key figure in the local business community. Her role is about more than just advocacy; it’s about fostering a spirit of collaboration and innovation among local businesses. “Small businesses need a voice to facilitate change in a city,” she says, outlining her vision for a more unified and dynamic Beverly Hills. With the LA Olympics 2028 and Metro expansion on the horizon, Bobbe is focused on ensuring that Beverly Hills continues to grow and shine. “My involvement now is to create a working committee to sew goodwill with the property owners, business owners, the City of Beverly Hills, the Chamber, and the City Council.”
Bobbe Joy at the Beverly Hills Tennis Club
When she’s not working, Bobbe finds joy in life’s simpler pleasures. She loves entertaining friends, experimenting with new recipes, and indulging her passion for chocolate-covered fruit. “Food is a big part of my life,” she says, adding that she enjoys watching the Food Network and HGTV for creative inspiration. Travel is another passion, and she looks forward to her upcoming trip to Paris, where she plans to practice her French. “Travel, travel, and travel,” she lists as her top bucket list priorities, eager to explore new destinations and create lasting memories with loved ones.
As Bobbe reflects on her life, she offers wisdom that resonates with the benefit of hindsight. “RELAX, THIS IS A LONG GAME. . . ENJOY THE RIDE!” she advises her younger self, a reminder that success is not just about reaching the destination but about savoring every step along the way. For Bobbe Joy, the journey has been as rewarding as the achievements, and her legacy continues to inspire those around her. In the world of beauty, her name is one that will be remembered not just for the faces she transformed, but for the lives she touched, one brushstroke at a time.