Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Almendarez.
Hi Kayla, 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?
My journey started in makeup 2013 as something to do if I’m honest. I was working at Forver 21 and the girls were into makeup, I just wanted to try it because I liked the idea of wearing colors on your face. Little did I know it would become the very thing I loved to do! I wanted to learn more beyond what a friend or coworker at the time could teach me. I’d stay up for hours watching YouTube videos. Makeup became my escape from the world for years as I battled with, at the time, undiagnosed mental health issues. Makeup was the on thing that made me feel normal. As I got the help I needed, I started to look at makeup as a form of therapy. Not just for myself but for others. I eventually started to learn industry standard and “real” life beauty applications. In November 2019, I launch I.D.Kaye Makeup Artistry and the rest was history. I pushed (and continue to push) myself to learn more about the makeup industry through education, instructor-led lessons, books and etc. So today, I stand before you as a professional makeup artist who started off as a makeup enthusiast. I specialize in skin-first makeup, beauty education for everyday women, editorial, and beauty makeup.
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?
Smooth? Is there ever such a thing when starting your business? Maybe for some but definitely not for me. I struggled with a few things along the way, mainly battling myself. I hesitated starting my business in fear that the one thing that brought me peace would be “taken” away if I had to do for others. Therapy is AMAZING, after getting the help I needed I started to realize this is gift, not one of my own either. If makeup could bring me peace of mind why can’t I share it with others so I let go. I’ve struggled with the big question I think all entrepreneurs experience, am I good enough? I spent quite a bit of time being unsure of myself and where I would fit in the industry. Once I started to learn makeup theory and industry professional standards I started to niche down. This is hard when everyone is telling you to do everything to make money. At first, it seems like you don’t have the experience or talent to say no to a job, but I stuck to my guns. I started out doing everything and it got me nothing, well anxiety and exhaustion but who wants that? As I became more adamant about what I was willing to do, I found my groove. The hardest part about me being in business was trusting the vision I was given, I started a few months before the pandemic and I had no clientele. But here we are 2022 and still growing!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My work is my love! I believe in curating an experience for you to highlight the best parts of yourself. When you sit in my chair, the first thing I ask is, “what’s your favorite feature?” So often we want to point out things that are flawed but I aim to change that mindset and celebrate the things that make my client feel their best. My makeup specialty is skin first, meaning I create second skin-like finishes that give a healthy youthful glow on and off camera. I also specialize in editorial, beauty, and beauty education for everyday women. These things are very specific and don’t often run in the same circle. But I love that I can go from Vogue spread looks to clean skin for a professional to teaching someone who’s never done makeup how to pick out their foundation shade. I guess because I’ve experienced each level, it’s where I find joy in serving. So if we’re asking what sets me apart, it’s the experience and energy I pour into each person and project. I only do things I love, it shows in every project and honestly, that’s what makes me most proud as well.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
The industry is coming back to real PROFESSIONAL makeup artists and I couldn’t be more excited! The internet can be an amazing resource but can also be detrimental. YouTube, Instagram and TikTok makeup enthusiasts have drilled nonsensical practices of beauty into the community. Now pros are showing up more on these platforms and giving “real” life makeup application advice and theory. I think people are tired of trying to live up to a filter as well, so as we see more people embrace themselves and more professionals break out their shells to inform, makeup is becoming what it’s intended for. Now, do I enjoy a good caked downbeat, of course. But the shift isn’t so much the style for me its that people are becoming more aware of makeup theory. Things like color theory, ingredients, techniques, and etc. are becoming more important to people receiving services and doing it themselves. Long story short, folks are tired of their face not matching their necks and their eyebrows being stamped on. I for one am here for the shift.
Contact Info:
- Website: thekayemarie.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/_idkaye_marie
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kayemadeup
Image Credits
Lo Garcia Derek Todd Photography Kersey Devon Photography Jay’s Creations
