Today we’d like to introduce you to Glammed by Kyra.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
You always hear accomplished entrepreneurs give the condense version of their success story. With this being said, I want to use this opportunity to give you the whole cup of tea, not just the sugar! I want to use this platform to not only encourage small business owners but specifically the Dolls who aspire to be self-made MUA’s. Believe it or not, I became a MUA out of necessity! In college, I was both a runway and print model. As a model, I would go to photo shoots and fashion shows. Prior to these events, I was informed by the event managers/production team to, “Not worry about makeup… we got someone for you!” Now they had someone, but that person(s) was NOT for me (No Shade) LOL! I said the previous statement for the following two reasons: 1. The makeup artist(s)/MUA did not possess the skills to properly execute a look for me as a model. 2. The makeup artist(s)/MUA did not have the time to properly execute a professional look for all models. Please note, these statements are not meant to disrespect those specific MUA’s, however, it has been documented over years that women of color in the fashion/modeling industry continuously face issues with receiving proper shade selection and makeup execution overall. Maya Angelou once said, “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” Dolls I hate to say it but, I am stubborn, lol! I followed Dr. Angelou’s advice and made that change!
One day I went MAC and bought a bunch of stuff I did not know how to use! I told myself I was going to learn how to do my own makeup! I know many use YouTube University, but it only helped me so much. So I practiced on myself, not once a month, not once a week, but EVERYDAY! That’s right Dolls your girl is SELF TAUGHT! My practice ended up turning into my passion. As time progressed, I went from practicing on friends to securing my first big makeup gig at a popular gentlemen’s club in Tampa, FL. My schedule went something like this: I would leave Orlando at 8:00pm… drive to Tampa… beat faces… leave around 2 or 3 in the morning… drive back to Orlando… get about 3 hours of sleep… get up and get myself together and head to work by 8am the next morning at law firm where I worked as a paralegal. I did that for about six months! That experience has helped me tremendously because to this day I can complete a full beat in 20 to 30 minutes. In 2014, after my success with the gentlemen’s club in Tampa, FL, I rented a booth at a hair salon! I was only taking appointments on the weekends and after 5 pm on the weekdays. One of the biggest challenges I faced was working in the corporate world while having this passion for makeup. Specifically, having to conform to fit into the corporate mold. I have a large personality and I felt as though I was dimming my light. The last attorney I worked for decided to merge his firm. Instead of following him to the other firm, I took a leap of faith and began working for myself full time. Here I am six years later… Glammed by Kyra Makeup Artistry! I am so happy I decided to live my dream instead of spending my life building someone else’s. I am now based in Central FL. My clientele ranges from celebrities, everyday Dolls, to bridal parties. I hope my story encourages someone to turn their passion into profit!
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?
No it hasn’t always been a smooth road. One of my biggest struggles was just getting myself out there. Dolls, I learned one of the fastest ways to get yourself out there is SOCIAL MEDIA and of course word of mouth. I also struggled with transitioning from being known as “the gentleman’s club makeup artist” to a PROFESSIONAL makeup artist. Booking my first wedding is what really solidified me in the professional world of makeup artistry.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in makeup artistry on my extra melanated queens. I’m known for having the ability to provide a full glam while keeping the skin natural and daytime friendly. This is of course topped off with my infamous “Glammed by Kyra GLOW”. I’m also known for these hands… and I don’t mean fighting lol. I’ve mastered the 20/30 minute beat which has aided in completing bridal parties of 18+ on my own. I’m most proud of solidifying myself in the makeup world, a highly saturated business, grabbing it by the horns and instead of bringing a seat to the table… I made my own table lol. I’ve been in the makeup game for seven years and working for myself for six years now. I find it so interesting when asked the question, “what sets me apart from others” because the answer is simply… I am me. Just like you are you. Techniques can be imitated, but your energy can never be duplicated. In the words of Dave Grohl, “No one is you and that is your biggest power.”
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My advice for aspiring MUAs would be to CONSTANTLY INVEST IN YOUR CRAFT. Whether it be makeup, brushes, continuing education… the learning experience never ends. Take pride in your work… don’t ever let a client leave your chair unsatisfied. Always remain professional… you are you brand. When starting out I just wish I had a better understanding of my target market, understanding my value and skill set… not selling myself short. You eventually learn through trial and error but I definitely wish I knew when I first started out lol.
Contact Info:
- Email: GlammedByKyra@gmail.com
- Website: www.glammedbykyra.acuityscheduling.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/kyrahontas
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/GlammedByKyra
Image Credits
Joyanne Patton, Mike Briggs Photography, Nate Veal Photography
