Today we’d like to introduce you to Key Middlebrooks.
Hi Key, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
Yeah, for sure! So, growing up, I used to watch my mom do her makeup while we blasted Monica’s ‘So Gone’ album. I was very fascinated by it. Skip ahead to middle school, where I got in trouble for sneaking mascara. By high school, I was all in—doing eyebrows and contacts, although my dad joked about my ‘big dark blocks’ for eyebrows! That’s when I started practicing on myself. People noticed here and there and would ask me to do their makeup, but it wasn’t until COVID hit that I had to pause my Lyft driving to protect my granddad. That’s when I decided to take makeup seriously, even getting my LLC. This year marks my 4th year in business! I’ve worked on makeup for BET, fashion shows, brand shoots, Brides and even dabbled in special effects. Currently, I’m part of the glam squad for my First Lady at the Dream Center Church of Atlanta. My clients include amazing career women, and this has led me to mentor young women and boost their self-esteem, too.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey hasn’t been all smooth sailing. Starting from my bedroom at my dad’s place was a real eye-opener. I began by charging $25 per face and eventually moved out, facing the reality of covering my own expenses like rent and bills. Similar to many service-oriented businesses, there are highs and lows. Some months are packed with appointments, while others, like January post-New Year’s or summer, can be quite slow. Finding the balance between these fluctuations was challenging and ongoing. Additionally, forming close relationships with clients means experiencing both joys and sorrows. Losing a client to suicide was a particularly tough moment that I had to navigate and learn from.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in forensic psychology, working for the Department of Human Services, where I address complex issues to help vulnerable families. In contrast, as a makeup artist, my favorite part of the job is the outcome. I love empowering my clients and boosting their confidence, drawing from my teenage struggles with confidence. What sets me apart is my ability to combine psychological insight with creative skills, fostering empowerment and transformation in my clients both mentally and aesthetically. Not to forget the fact that everything I do is what I’ve taught myself. Never taken a makeup course, I am a self-taught ATL MUA. Teaching and educating clients on self-application and technique daily.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I owe credit to my incredible support system: my mom, sister Alec Middlebrooks, Veronica Henry, and Tumeka Fears for being my biggest cheerleaders. My amazing father for always putting up and setting my space(s) up. Special thanks to my mentors Omar Singleton and Tatiana Bradley, who always guide me with care and knowledge. I am grateful to my makeup artist close friend Frances Harley for her unwavering support and business advice. Shoutout to my line sisters, Coco, Arie, and Pebbs, for their encouragement and lessons in patience. And a big thank you to my loyal clients, Lakin D., Monica C., and Danielle J., for sticking with me through it all, from city changes to price bumps!
Pricing:
- Neutral Beat $90
- Microblading
- Glitter Beat $110
- Smokey Eye $90
- 1:1 Beginner Friendly Makeup Class $150
Contact Info:
- Website: Beatbykey.as.me
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beatby.key?igsh=aGV5dmlnZjA0MXE3&utm_source=qr
Image Credits
Morokali
