Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristen ‘K.C’ Colemon.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Kristen. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I am originally from Marietta, GA and grew up in Smyrna, GA. I moved to Knoxville, TN six years ago to help take care of my grandparents who were ill. I then began my career in the beauty industry, by going to cosmetology school. I attended Virginia College cosmetology program, graduating in 2014. I then went to a makeup boot camp, allowing me to gain knowledge about the business and helpful tips when applying makeup for my clients.
While attending college and boot camp, I created my own business. The business was officially formed as a result of a class project. Our instructor challenged us to create a salon, showing the ins-and-out of the business. Mock business plan, floor plans, even business cards. I exceeded that! I took the project to the next level! Creating t-shirts, brochures, 3D floor plans, business cards, and so on! My business was named ‘Sass’N Edge Beauty and Photography’, and it offered beauty services like; Hair styling, makeup, and photography, I interned and worked at a high-end salon in Knoxville. Learning more about my craft, competing in a few international hair competitions with Intercoiffure America and Canada, working on photo shoot sets, weddings and so much more. All while servicing and growing my own business on the side.
My business became so high in demand that I was no longer able to keep up with my day job. Forcing me to quit and make my “side business” a “real business”. I then started to think on a larger scale, changing my company’s name from “Sass’N Edge” to incorporating my name! Making my business and name be unforgettable to my clients.
I have now been in business for myself for two years. Still doing what I love, only now- My business’ specializes in photo shoots and commercial work. I have been on sets for ‘Nike’, ‘Bushes Baked Beans’, even working alongside of New York Fashion Photographer Lindsay Adler. I can’t be happier with my life, and the money that I’m making. I remain focused, humbled, and grounded in my roots. For those are the reasons why I am, where I am today, I always use networking opportunities to help me build my brand. Attending events, and social gatherings, keeping business cards with me at all times, and staying relevant on all of my social platforms have all helped me sustain my brand. I am nowhere near where I want to get in life; however, I am further from where I was… and loving every bit of it. Always excited for my future.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I believe Nothing is smooth sailing when you want ‘it’ really bad. It may not be a horrible experience, but you will have to sacrifice things in order to get to the end goal.
Part of my sacrifice was leaving Atlanta (my home), and moving to a much smaller town. Moving to a place that I wasn’t too familiar with, taking care of my elderly grandmother who had Dementia, my toddler, attending college, building a new business, and wrestling through a miserable relationship- leading me to a great depression.
There was nothing. Nothing. Nothing easy about carrying all of that weight. Therefore, I knew that my passion and vision needed to lead me out of my massive hole. Which at that time was called- Life.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Kristen KC Colemon Beauty and Photography – what should we know?
Kristen K.C Colemon Beauty and Photography is a beauty company that specializes in enhancing all clients natural beauty and/or creating exaggerated looks. I am known for working on photo shoots with local photographers, as well as commercial franchise companies.
I am mostly proud of the reputation I’ve built, building my brand to where it is today, in such a short time. Staying self-motivated during the journey of developing a brand is a hard task at times. Social media can sometimes get the best of you, and make you question your talent. So, staying focused and determined is key!
What sets my company apart from many companies is that I am well skilled in diversity. I can do any texture of hair and makeup on any ethnicity. Not many people can do that! Not many people want to, too. So, those people come to me! Not to mention, I can also take a beautiful photo of you, once your look is complete!
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I feel like the best qualities and characteristics to have while gaining success is; a positive yet firm attitude, stay optimistic, give yourself credit for your accomplishments along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kristenkccolemon.com
- Phone: (865) 622-5588
- Email: kristenkcccolemon@gmail.com
- Instagram: @kristenkccolemon
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristenkccolemonbeautyandphototgraphy/
Image Credit:
Gracelight Images, Taylor Roman Portraits, Javon Renee Photography, Open Roads Media, and Kristen KC Colemon Photography
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