Today we’d like to introduce you to Nami Kai.
Hi Nami , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
From Wisconsin to Orlando: My Journey Into Makeup
It started young — cutting my Barbie’s hair, designing little outfits, dreaming up imaginary friends in ultimately just seeing the world in a light of beauty. I was the youngest of four, and we didn’t grow up with much, so I spent a lot of time at home exploring who I was through my own reflection. When I saw Rihanna and Beyoncé on screen, something clicked. I wanted to feel that kind of confidence, so I’d head to the local beauty supply store, grab whatever affordable products I could find, and use my own face as a canvas.
When I’d leave the house wearing my “artwork,” people noticed — and the compliments started rolling in. I remember the feeling that came with it: a rush of energy, and this pull to want to give that same feeling to someone else. I didn’t have a name for it back then. Looking back now, I know exactly what it was — confidence. I wanted to create that for my community, because growing up, we didn’t really have spaces that made us feel seen or complimented. People started supporting me almost right away.
Five years later, I packed up and moved to Orlando in March 2020 — right as COVID hit. I didn’t know a single soul in Florida besides my partner at the time. I picked up work with a local nail tech, helping run her Instagram marketing, and while I was on there, I started scouting women who I thought would make great makeup models. I’d reach out, they’d come sit in my chair, and that’s how I slowly started building a name for myself in a brand-new city.
A few appointments turned into a fully booked. A fully booked turned into 13 to 14 clients a day. Six years later, I’ve built a clientele I’m proud of — but more than that, I’ve been able to pour value, love, and support into strangers who became more than just appointments. My goal has always gone beyond makeup: it’s about impacting people in a positive light, one face at a time.
These days, my focus has shifted toward teaching & bridal makeup, documenting my work, and continuing to sharpen my craft. My passion hasn’t changed one bit — if anything, it’s grown. Now I’m always looking for new ways to impact even more people, whether that’s through a bride on her wedding day, special events,or a student learning the art for the first time.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Honestly, I wouldn’t call it a hard road — when you’re passionate about something and you truly believe in the value you’re providing, it stops feeling like “hard” and starts feeling like purpose. It’s less about the difficulty and more about the impact.
That said, the biggest challenge I’ve faced over the years is the lack of guarantees. Nothing in this journey has come with a safety net, and that’s forced me to constantly bet on myself — again and again.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a full-time professional makeup artist. I’ve been in the beauty industry for the last 11 years. Most proud of being able to reflect the beauty people have already back to themselves. I believe that reasoning alone sets me apart.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
If I can be quite honest, I absolutely was hardheaded. The trouble child. The kid everybody was concerned about. Bad attitude. The baby of the Bunch! BRAT. Never followed rules, what is a rule? Haha!
Contact Info:
- TikTok: muanamikai
- Instagram: @muanamikai
