Today we’d like to introduce you to Kiara King.
Hi Kiara, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’m a Licensed Esthetician and Makeup Artist based in Birmingham, Alabama. I’m a 2021 graduate of Aveda Arts and Sciences Institute where I studied Esthiology. My love for makeup and skincare started about five years ago when I started my first freelance business, Kiara Kay Beauty. My work has been featured in weddings, branding shoots, maternity shoots, and many more.
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?
Being a young entrepreneur has definitely been a rollercoaster ride. One of my biggest challenges was learning what set me apart from other mua’s in my city. Being a makeup artist and esthetician has become a profession many people are pursuing. I had to learn my style of makeup and find my target audience. I struggled with this in the beginning of my career because I wanted everyone to book with me. Although I am able to offer my clients various looks and services, I have become known for created flawless soft glam looks.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I started my business Kiara Kay Beauty, back in 2018. I never even thought about starting my own business, I actually grew up wanting to be a Dermatologist. Makeup was essentially my therapy. I loved just doing my own makeup and seeing the outcome. It was so therapeutic to sit and do my makeup while listening to music. Eventually, my friends started asking me to do theirs and it literally took off from there. I eventually decided to take myself serious because I discovered how talented I was. In 2020, I enrolled at Aveda Arts and Sciences Institute. Beauty school was an amazing experience. I graduated in September of 2021 and moved into my first suite. I offered body waxing, facials, and makeup applications. Since 2020 I have mainly offered makeup applications. I am known for creating flawless soft glam looks.
Since first opening, my business has grown tremendously. My work has been featured in many professional photoshoots, weddings, maternity shoots, and branding shoots. Prior to being a business owner, I was this shy girl who sat at the back of the room. The one girl you probably never noticed. My business and love for makeup has helped me grow so much. I’m so proud of how far I’ve come as a young woman. I now have two absolutely amazing boys, Chase and Kaiser and they are without a doubt, my biggest motivation. My clients are also a huge part of my ‘why’. The fact that I have been doing this for five years and I still have my old clients is mind-blowing. My clientele continues to grow and I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.
Any big plans?
I plan to continue to grow my business by offering more services like semi-permanent makeup. I took a micro-shading class about a year ago and I am ready to be able to offer my clients a more permanent enhancement.
Pricing:
- Naked Face – $60
- Soft Glam – $75
- Full Glam – $85
Contact Info:
- Website: kiarakaybeauty.as.me
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kiarakaybeauty/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kiarakaybeautybham/
Image Credits
Photographer – Bryan Freeman
