Today we’d like to introduce you to Akia Mckinney.
Hi Akia, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I began my journey in the beauty industry when I was in high school , 11/12th grade to be exact . I was bringing my products to school along with my books to make sure the girls got what they wanted and looked good at school . Straight out of high school is when my business took off , I graduated in 2017 so it’s been a very long run . I would take clients up to 6am , I didn’t care what time it was I was about my coins and getting my name out there . If you’re up I’ll be up . My makeup business expanded through word of mouth and how fast I have gotten over the time . No makeup artist could finish a face in 30 minutes like I could & actually still look fabulous.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
So now I’m kind of going through some tough challenges . I took a break for 9 months to attend esthetician school . School kind of made it hard for me to be available .. so hard to the point that my clients thought I stopped working . So now I’m rebranding and building my clientele over again which I have to accept and keep promoting myself all over again .
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in natural glams , like a really soft makeup look or no makeup , makeup look . I can take a hour glam and turn that into 30 minutes . My technique is very interesting and I use the same technique on every client , I don’t change the features of their face I take what God gave them and add my spark to it . I’m known for being “ The Coldest “ I am known to be one of the best in Atlanta . I’m most proud of people being able to recognize my work without a tag or comment .
What were you like growing up?
Growing up I was outside playing in the dirt and climbing trees . But , I always had a creative side which really helped my makeup skills . I painted from time to time .. my color theory is up to part . I liked to make and design things. I’ve always been like the golden child , I was raised different my mom and grandma taught me a lot . I looked at things different from others and stayed with a smile on my face . I had no mean girl era , everyone was my friend no matter how they look , talk or walk & my family always loved that about me .
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