Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikia Yancey.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have always been more of an artistic mind who thrived in environments where I could visually express myself and have a creative outlet. I’d say my journey began when I relocated to Atlanta from Louisville, Kentucky (my hometown) back in 2002 fresh out of high school. I majored in Fashion Merchandising at Bauder College which was located in the basement of Phipps Plaza at the time. You couldn’t tell me I wasn’t going to be some big buyer for a high-end retailer! LOL… that fantasy was soon put on hold when I discovered my love for makeup. Design students at my college noticed how I expressed myself through my own makeup and asked me to be the artist for one of their fashion shows. Of course, I was flattered but the anxiety soon kicked in when I realized I truly didn’t know what I was doing. I had simply been playing around with my own face. Then, I said to myself…”girl, you better suck it up and fake it til you make it!” Needless to say, after that one show I never turned back. Like most makeup artists, I figured the first step was to venture into the cosmetics realm and work for a line at a department store. My resume expanded quickly, including brands like Clinique, Benefit, Tarte and Laura Mercier Cosmetics. I had the privilege of working for these cosmetic lines in high end retail stores like Nordstrom, Bloomingdales and Nieman Marcus. I thought I had “arrived, but yet I still wasn’t completely fulfilled. Around 2007 or so, I discovered The Moore Agency where they provided on location beauty services primarily to brides. I was recruited and hired as a freelance makeup artist. I remember thinking “now this is my jam!” The bridal industry opened my eyes to a whole other world that I was happy to be a part of. I’m still with the agency to this day! During this transition, I knew that I truly discovered my passion. Here I am, having an impact on making women look and feel beautiful while earning an income. I realized that I wasn’t just working, but I was walking in my purpose and my heart was content. Years later, I’m blessed to be glamming up faces all around Georgia, neighboring states, and even out of the country in hopes to further develop my company Kia Fab Image.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy.
Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
This road to “glory” has not always been easy… shoot I’m still on the road taking all types of detours as we speak! There’s something to be said about the “starving artist!” As work isn’t always consistent I’m still currently a corporate employee. My hustle includes and is not limited to weekend clients, weddings, and sometimes providing services immediately after leaving my 9 to 5! Whew! However, it’s imperative that once you find your “happy” on what you do, there’s no option to stop. Corporate America, structure, and restrictions make me itch so I must be allergic right?!!! LOL…so if that’s the alternative, I’m gonna keep on pushing until it’s not! Each time I finish a makeup application on a client she instantly lights up. Once she takes that first look at her reflection and I see her smile reach her soul, I realize it’s all worth the grind. My soul literally smiles when I contribute to making a woman feel beautiful. I can say this much, I’m still figuring things out as I go along, but my advice is if you have a vision for your life that was placed on your spirit, it’s your job to do whatever it takes to see it through. Settling is not an option for me for me and fear should not continue to have a home within you. Just DO IT!
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
Those who know me and even those that only know “of me” have always associated me with fashion, makeup, hair, etc since I was young. I’m literally obsessed and couldn’t imagine my life without being completely consumed with all things fabulous. I am a makeup artist developing my company/brand “Kia Fab Image” where I provide makeup applications on location as well as image consulting. I’d say what sets me apart from a thriving, yet overly saturated market is that I just simply have a goal to create the best version of “you.” I enhance your own God given features and leave you with a subtle yet glam transformation. My goal is to create a luxurious experience with each service. Recently, I launched the Kia Fab Glam Pop-up. My first event was this past New Year’s Eve at the W Buckhead. I am so proud of this new venture and the turn out that I received. Periodically, (based on special events) I host a Glam Pop Up at various locations in the city where attendees book their 1 hour glam session which includes a makeup application, champagne, and small bites. The events are hosted in a private suite full of ambiance, music, and an all around glamorous experience. Each attendee leaves with a swag bag, full of goodies that will compliment their fabulous plans for the evening. It’s literally a whole mood!
What advice would you give to someone at the start of her career?
The best advice I could give as I still take my own on a day to day basis is simple… START NOW. Whatever “that thing” is, you know in your soul you were meant to do… just go for it. Baby steps daily towards your goal will help you get what seems to be impossible… done. That loud hater in your mind named fear will try to hinder this process every time, but you must overpower that noise of doubt with persistence, preparation, consistency, action, and a whole lot of FAITH.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 404-617-0350
- Email: kiafabimage@gmail.com
- Instagram: @kiafabimage
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
