Today we’d like to introduce you to Katrina Walker.
Hi Katrina, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am Katrina Walker from Columbus Georgia. I grew up mostly in Phenix City, Alabama. I am a mother of 2 (son, Jaelynn 24 and daughter, Angel 19). I am the professional makeup artist and owner of Enhancements by Katrina Makeup Suite in Columbus. My motto is “makeup for EVERY woman”. I provide makeup services to girls and women of all ages, specializing in bridal makeup and mortuary makeup. I offer makeup classes and one on one tutorials. In addition, I also collaborate with photographers for photoshoots and contract services. Not only do I provide mobile services but I also travel to cities within Georgia, Alabama and Florida for bridal services.
I started as a freelance makeup artist in 2014 when I began my journey as a Mary Kay Consultant. I am very passionate about uplifting others and making them view themselves and life in a positive way. Makeup allows me to show people a different side of themselves and it often gives them a whole new attitude when walking out the door. Outside of the makeup business I am a Sex Offender Treatment Coordinator with Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice where I provide therapeutic services to juvenile offenders. I find balance and purpose having two different professions and personal fulfillment knowing that I am being of service to someone in both areas. I worked as a freelance artist for 6 years in my home, traveling, and working in the “Unlimited Cuts and Styles” salon with my sister. In 2019, I decided it was time to open my own business where I couldservice clients the way that I envisioned and have a better opportunity to grow my business in a unique way. Since opening my business I have launched my own makeup line EK Cosmetics that are used on clients and available for purchasing. I have recently launched “MyCurves” which is my own shapewear line, sold in store and online.
My mother Martha Hollis gets all the credit for introducing meto beauty enhancements. She taught me that you keep your skin clean and clear and add a little color to your lips. She comes from “the old school” so she taught me to wear a shaper for that extra support. It’s amazing that I am promoting what I’ve learned as a young girl becoming a woman and it feels good to really believe in what you’re branding. Business entrepreneurship has been a part of my life my father who is now deceased was a businessman all my life. I saw him birth a business with hotdogs and BBQ and turn it into a thriving full-service restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. I saw his passion and drive to go over and beyond and now I understand the feeling and carrying on the legacy.
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 struggle was definitely real, the first year it was more about practice and an opportunity to do a client every so often. I remember it being 1-2 months sometime before I would get someone to reach out for makeup services but I continued to practice and display my efforts the entire time. I knew that I could do it and it would take time. I prayed for the opportunity and the right women to place in my path. Patience had been a gem that I had gained due to previous obstacles in life. So I took every day to practice and figure out what type of makeup artist I wanted to be. The tough part was also getting people that knew you for other reasons to believe in you as a makeup artist.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Enhancements by Katrina Makeup Suite?
Enhancements by Katrina Makeup Suite provides makeup services and products to accommodate every woman. The look and the feel of the environment is welcoming and services are private and personal for every client. My clientele represents a diverse group of women that are serviced based on their preference and individual makeup goals. I think that my flexibility to accommodate times that are nontraditional service hours when needed is one of the most appreciated about my services. Bridal makeup services are also major part of business, I service an average of 10-13 weddings per year. I service upto 10 in a party more if time permits. My services are easy to access via my website enhancementsbykatrina.com. I try to make everything available and convenient to potential clients and if they need to ask additional questions, they are also provided a chat on website, an email and contact number. I carry my own line of products so when my clients want to take something with their services, it is available to them. I love to encourage confidence and I love to see women look and feel good so I am now offering shapewear. This makes shapewear shopping easy and convenient to my clients and other supporters of my business.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My advice to anyone starting out is, you have done the hard part you’ve STARTED! Having a successful business is an everyday job. Keep going, keep grinding, keep planning, keep learning better ways to make things better for your business. Don’t be afraid to venture off of what others are doing make your business an image that you are proud of. Becoming a business owner puts you in a space to lead but we must learn from other leaders. Remember as a business owner, you are your brand and your personal time is also a representation of your brand.
Pricing:
- Full Face Traditional Glam $65
- Bridal Makeup Packages start at $150
Contact Info:
- Email: enhancebyk@gmail.com
- Website: enhancementsbykatrina.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enhancementsbykatrina_mua/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EnhancementsbyKatrinaMakeup
- Other: http://mycurves1.com/
Image Credits:
Kima Shepphard Golden Willie Abraham Frazier Henry Eiland
