Today we’d like to introduce you to Kay Alvarez.
Hi Kay, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My story ahhh! I started my makeup journey as a young teenage girl who dreamed of making it into the fashion industry. My dream was to get into F.I.T (fashion institute of technology) in NY it was my dream school. After two attempts not getting placed in the elite program, I started to study makeup. With the way, the world was evolving and fashion fastly changing I’ve decided to make my staple in makeup and build persona and style. Living in New York as a young Latina woman was hard, my family wasn’t well off as many families around me at the time. I always looked up to big stars and wished to make it to that level of success one day. In 2011, I met my now husband Ray Alvarez and we moved out of NYC to a Town in Upstate NY, where Ray started his photography business, we started marketing as a duo team. Makeup and photography services became a trending fad on social media and locally with our clientele, we quickly became very popular. Going from a family who came from nothing to building a 6-figure business was a dream I could not believe I was living. In 2019 we started to outgrow our studio and area and worked with many different celebrities at the same time. The demand for us to travel the nation was at its highest. We started to offer services nationally and overseas and it quickly became a hit. Everyone wanted to travel, take pictures, and look beautiful at the same time. In 2021 we decided to expand our growing business and move to Orlando. We are currently here and working on lots of exciting projects with different cosmetic brands and opening my first full service, Skin Care beauty bar offering popular services like makeup, HydraFacial, and Waxing.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like in any industry there will always be “bumps on the road”. Things aren’t always easy. We had trouble finding clientele and getting recognized for our talents and etc. (everyone does when they are building a Company. It’s the most natural and most common struggle). You must always remember: 1. Why are your here? 2. Remember your goals. 3. Where are you are headed? If you love what you do, never give up. Any amount of struggle will be worth the success.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a full-time Makeup artist and Licensed Esthetician. I specialize in creative, SFX, and glam makeup services. I am known for my over-the-top creations, headpieces, and out-of-the-box designs. It is what sets me apart. I model most of my elite pieces and people absolutely love that. I am proud of my creations, it’s what makes me happy and makes me, me. When I receive inquiries from potential clients who would like for me to recreate one of my looks on them, it becomes a rewarding feeling.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Staying true to who you are is very important to success. Never try to be someone else, compare yourself or try to fit in with what everyone is doing around you. Success is determined by who you are and what you want in life. I like to work closely with my clients. It’s not just putting makeup on; it’s offering them an experience that they won’t forget and want to come back for. My creativity is characteristic that most admire.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kayalvarezmakeup.com
- Instagram: www.Instagram.com/kayalvarezmakeup
- Other: www.soprettybeautybar.com
