Today we’d like to introduce you to Alex Whitman- Kelsey.
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?
My name is Alex Whitman – Kelsey , I am a native of Huntsville AL and I am a 33 Year Old , mom and wife . In my career field I am a Licensed Cosmetologist of 12+years , Certified Pro Makeup Artist , Makeup & Beauty Influencer , Educator and CEO of kelseyalexcosmetics__ launching late 2025 . My passion for makeup , hair and beauty started in my younger years as a ballet, tap and jazz dancer , during our many onstage performances , my favorite parts weren’t the dancing but the glitz and the glam of it all . Adding rhinestones to the eye looks for drama around the eye , bright red stage lipstick so the large audiences in the area could see it , dramatic lashes for days and making sure my bun or style was slicked and slayed to the gods awakened a passion that I never lost . My makeup vanity was a go to backstage for many dancers back then for all the beauty needs and in my adult life I can still say my makeup vanity is open to serve any and everyone . I wasnt always sure this was my path but as time passed and becoming a young mom after graduating high school , my passion was reignited , so I took my talents to Cosmetology School where I furthered my love and passion for beauty . After graduating in 2013 I tested with State Board to receive my License in 2014 & have been licensed and working since . I worked in hair salons , and barbershops for many years , and over time my spark for makeup grew . I stepped away from hair styling and was heavy in my pursuit in the makeup space . In 2020 I started my own makeup artistry business , and for 2 years I used all the knowledge I had gained as a self taught artist to begin taking clients for only makeup services . By 2022 I had gained enough traction and had enough clients in my portfolio to apply and join MAC Cosmetics as a part time artist , less than 2 months after joining I was the manager of my MAC counter . During that time I got certified 4 times with the company and still today I am a Freelance MUA with the brand . The many connections I made during this time and my time with other brands like YSL ARMANI and DIOR set the stage for some huge opportunities for me in the industry , like Miami Swim Week , Alabama Fashion Week , Dallas Fashion Week and NYFW where my hair and makeup work has been published in major publications as well as displayed in times square , and on TV platforms . Being fairly new in the makeup world and working with some the great key artist and platform artist I worked with shaped me greatly in this industry. Working all over the US with so many walks of life has inspired me and pushed me to be a better artist , the greats like Pat Mcgrath who once said “Makeup is a movement , Its an emotion ” and she couldn’t have said it better makeup is a not just a form of outward art but an emotional connection to yourself , and others its a true extension of beauty that reaches the whole world , that almost any person can relate to in some way . As an artist I’m still growing , learning and embracing the industry , and taking the paper plane wherever the wind blows me next , wherever that is I will have a comb , hair products and my makeup kit ready to work , always .
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?
The road to success , has definitely been filled with good times , misfortune , and learning experiences . In my early days I had so many failed opportunities and business ideas because I was always ready to execute the plan , even when I wasnt ready at times . Running a business as a young mom wasn’t easy and so many times I gave up , being in this industry isn’t easy , theres so many others who do the same things you have to set your brand apart and it hasn’t been easy . Fine tuning my talents and business model has changed my life and business dramatically . Making bad investments in this business can be hard , whether it is investing in a space , a person or a idea ; having mentors , continued education and a supportive client base can really boost your business and change your life . In this industry you’ll have good months and bad months even bad years but you’ll pick up and keep going , and staying true to those clients who never left and supported you no matter what .
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
specialize in everyday soft glam looks and full glam looks for any occasion ranging from standard photography to runway specific looks . Most of my clients , prefer a soft natural finish , paired with a soft flirty lip & blush . However , in the creative makeup space I love cut crease looks , dramatic eyes and bold looks especially as a beauty content creator . I love to try the latest beauty products and trends on my clients to stay hip to the hottest trend in the industry currently and you can always depend on social platorms to showcase all thing new and exciting . Im known for my work in the runway space , my biggest accomplishment and learning moment was nyfw , learning to work quickly , with accuracy changed my makeup game tremendously . My experience with so many brands like YSL , Armani , MAC , Dior , Stila , Makeupforever , has shaped how I use products , cater to skin types and be an advocate for my clients needs .
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Growing up I was always into modeling , dancing , singing , performing , playing in my moms makeup and doing my hair . It’s funny looking back because that’s all the things that shaped me as an adult in the beauty space . Ill never forget wearing my moms makeup to school for the first time , I can look back and laugh now because the makeup was the absolute wrong color , and my friends laughed for days at my orange foundation shade . Those moments made me who I am because these days proper foundation color is a must that’s the first thing I see, most tell me I have an eye for color matching because I can pick your proper shade so quickly .which really came from many years of wearing the wrong shade in my preteen years .
Contact Info:
- Website: https://AlexTheMakeupArtist.as.me/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelseyalex__?igsh=YjIydnI2czBuYXFp&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18wbHBFrEr/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@kelseyalex?si=3BldUaGNAcPw9Xhb
- Other: https://linktr.ee/kelseyalex__
