November 19, 2016

Meet Atlanta Makeup Artist, Hairstylist, and Image Consultant: Akia Kelly

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Akia Kelly.

Akia, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
It all started when I was 14 playing with my mom’s makeup she sold for Mary Kay. She ended up buying 2 boxes worth of cosmetics once she saw my interest because I wouldn’t leave it alone. I’ve always had a passion for beauty. Styling and doing makeup for all my close friends and family because they saw how great I styled myself , it became second nature. Once I graduated high school I went off to college to study physical therapy. I knew it wasn’t my passion but I wasn’t in the mindset to turn my hobby into my career because at the time I thought of it as a hobby. Later in the semester, I found out I was expecting and became sick trying to carry and go to school so I dropped out had my son and moved back home with my mom and got a dead end job at forever 21. I hated going to work everyday because I felt like there was another destiny for me to follow and retail wasn’t my calling . So I went to my church , joined a prayer group and prayed for wisdom and guidance over my life and career. I didn’t know how I was going to support my son financially without a job . So Immediately I thought of signing up for hair school because I continually practiced in makeup everyday trying new things watching videos and improving n my craft using social media to showcase my talent . So within a week of me quitting my job I made an appointment to start school. When I walked inside of the building I got this feeling like God was sending me a sign that this was the path he wanted me to follow. Immediately I signed up and from then on my life changed. A month into school I got a message on Instagram about working with Brooklyn Tankerd from bravo’s tv show blood thicker than water to do makeup for her bronner brothers hair show performance! I fell to my knees in awe , my first gig was with a reality show celebrity ! I went to her hotel the next day and stayed. She used me for 3 days styling herself in 2 other models and brought me on stage to give thanks to the team I was grateful for that opportunity. Then after I went into doubt thinking what’s next how can I land another gig as big as my first. Surely I’ve done 4 fashion shows including Macy’s , hair and makeup for weddings for a season straight. Then I got a call from a friend and she told me she was auditioning to join a union for industry professionals called So Official LLC and asked me to come along. I met with the owner named Show Out and I had the same feeling I had when I walked into my hair school, that this company was where I needed to be. A month later I’ve done hair in makeup for countless published models and business owners.

I’ve even done makeup for warner brothers production , video shoots with top industry artist , makeup and unit”wig” classes for church conventions ,the list goes on and my journey is just starting. Sometimes all it takes is intuition and that leap of faith to maximize your blessings and if hearing my story motivates you to take that chance I wish you all the best of luck on your journey because persistence and faith will bring deliverance in any field your most talented in.

Has it been a smooth road?
The most thing I struggled with was thinking “what’s next?” After I do something, like will my clientele fade away will I be able to keep them coming back. I think that’s always a thought in the back of every entrepreneur’s head. Remaining steady enough to flourish in your business

What’s your outlook for the industry over the next 5-10 years?
In 5 years I see myself turning my career into a brand ! From teaching wig making classes to makeup , selling hair , becoming a well-rounded image consultant . I’ve made plans to do so many things because it’s so easy to be stuck in your chair your whole career. I’ve watched so many people become comfortable. Coming in this business as a newbie I dare to be different .

What would you say has been the biggest challenge for you over the course of your career?
Trying to keep my surroundings in cynic with what I want in my career . Making the right moves at the right times will affect your career and how long it will take you to get to your goal and my challenge is trusting that I’m making those right decisions for the sake of my image I’m trying to brand for my customers

What would you tell someone who is just starting out?
My advice would be to follow your heart and just do it . Keep your train on thought directly on the person you’re trying to become and you will start noticing all the opportunities , the law of attraction is real and how you see yourself matters . Be confident, Bold, and go do what you love and give it everything you have in you.

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