Check Out Kayla Griffin’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Griffin.

Hi Kayla, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have always loved make-up. Since I was in high school, I would do my sister’s make-up and all of my friends’. I did prom and homecoming make-up in my mom’s kitchen for a few years! When my friends and I got older, as we each started getting married, it just made sense that I would do their wedding make-up considering I had been doing it forever. When people would ask them who did their make-up, they would refer them to me and my business took off from there! I started sharing my work and my own make-up looks on Instagram a few years ago and received such a positive response from my friends and followers. It has truly grown exponentially in the last two years and I am so thankful for my clients who have given me such positive reviews and referrals just by word of mouth.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
I would say that I am pretty lucky to have had a great and successful last few years in this industry. Of course, the pandemic has definitely shaken things up but the wedding industry has responded in full support to brides/grooms to help them get their day planned just as they imagine it. I have done everything from a Monday elopement to Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday weddings back to back to accommodate COVID reschedules. Outside of the unimaginable, with any new business venture, you have to start at the bottom and work your way up. In the beginning, I was doing make-up and traveling for free! I worked very hard at very low prices for the first year or two until I could get some experience under my belt. I have been taken advantage of by some clients and learned the hard way what to do and what not to do in protecting my business and craft; however, I would not trade any of it. The experiences I’ve had with clients from all over have taught me how to run my business and ultimately grow in success. I am proud of where I am at today but I am always still learning and growing as the industry evolves.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a freelance make-up artist specializing in bridal make-up. I am most known for a more natural “your skin but better” look. Most of my brides come to me with requests of wearing minimal make-up and only want to enhance the features they have been blessed with, which I love. I still do many weddings that go for the full glam look, but I would say 75% of my girls want very natural and toned down make-up looks. I am proud of all of the work I have done on my clients. I love being able to deliver what they are looking for in this space and make each bride feel their absolute best on their big day. There have been many happy tears shared over a bride’s dream look coming together and I love being a part of those moments.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My advice for new and upcoming artists is to put yourself out there. At first, I was shy to post my work or my own make-up looks on Instagram but social media is your friend! Social media is what catapulted my career and truly got my name out in the industry. Also, I would encourage artists to work super hard through those first few years. Clients pay for experience and expertise. It is hard and a lot of work but take on any and every job just to get your practice in in the beginning. Practice on family, friends, etc. Partner with local vendors and most importantly, learn from others! Take classes with other local vendors you may admire and keep an open mind when working in this space. I never turned a single inquiry or opportunity down in the beginning because I wanted to learn and grow so badly. It is definitely a learning curve but you will be so proud of yourself if you put in the work in the beginning.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kayherringriffinmua/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kayherringriffinMUA

Image Credits
@Josh Durham Photography (all pics besides 1) @Wild heart visuals (credit for pic of me in all black)