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Life & Work with Kiara Harris of Hapeville, Georgia

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kiara Harris.

Hi Kiara, 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?
Thank you so much for having me! My journey into the beauty industry started over 11 years ago, long before Whipped by Kiara was even a thought. I began doing brows at Greenbriar Mall here in Atlanta, which became my training ground for understanding real women, real stories, and the confidence that comes with enhancing natural beauty. That little kiosk was where I learned the power of transformation, not just on the outside, but how a simple brow arch or a full face makeup application could make a woman light up with confidence. What started as a simple skill quickly turned into a passion.

Makeup became my escape and eventually, my purpose. I lost my mom, Deborah, to breast cancer when I was just 10 years old, and after that, beauty became my way to heal. It gave me a space to create, to connect, and to bring joy to others, something my mom always did so effortlessly.

As my skills and love for the craft grew, so did the opportunities. Over the years, I’ve had the honor of working with incredible women, from everyday clients to celebrities like Michelle Williams, Kenya Moore, Coco Jones, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, and Kandi Burruss Tucker. My work has also been featured on networks like Bravo, TV One, and VH1, something I could’ve only dreamed of when I was doing brows in the mall all those years ago.

Today, Whipped by Kiara is more than just a beauty brand , it’s an experience! My focus is helping women look and feel like the best versions of themselves, whether it’s for their wedding day, a red-carpet moment, or simply embracing their everyday beauty. Every brushstroke is a reminder of how far I’ve come and a tribute to my mom’s legacy.

Everything I do is rooted in purpose, in honoring my mom’s legacy and continuing to show that beauty can be healing, empowering, and deeply personal. Being “whipped” isn’t just about makeup, it’s about the feeling that comes with it.

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?
Definitely not a smooth road, entrepreneurship rarely is. I’ve faced plenty of challenges along the way. When you’re building something from the ground up, there are going to be seasons where things don’t go as planned. You have to really lean on faith, consistency, and sheer willpower to keep going, especially when things feel uncertain.

There have been times when clients slowed down, when money wasn’t flowing like it should, or when I questioned if I was doing enough. Balancing exposure, marketing, and client retention, all while trying to stay creative, can be overwhelming. But every obstacle has taught me something valuable about who I am and what I’m capable of.

The beauty industry is always evolving, so learning to adapt and stay relevant while remaining true to myself has been a huge part of my growth. Through it all, I’ve learned that success isn’t about things being perfect, it’s about perseverance, purpose, and continuing to show up even when it’s hard.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Whipped by Kiara, I specialize in creating timeless, flawless makeup looks that enhance a woman’s natural beauty, not mask it. My focus is on clean, radiant skin and soft, blended glam that looks stunning in person and on camera. Whether it’s a bride walking down the aisle, a professional woman preparing for a big event, or a celebrity stepping on set, my goal is always the same, to make her feel confident, beautiful, and unforgettable.

Over the years, I’ve become known for my attention to detail and my ability to “whip” a face, that’s my signature touch. I prefer to say “whipped” instead of “beat” because it aligns perfectly with my brand…soft, feminine, and effortlessly polished.

I’ve had the honor of working with amazing women like Michelle Williams, Kenya Moore, Coco Jones, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, and Kandi Burruss Tucker, and seeing my work featured on major networks like Bravo, TV One, and VH1. But honestly, what I’m most proud of is the trust I’ve built with everyday women. The moments when a client looks in the mirror and says, “I feel like myself, just better,” that’s everything to me.

What truly sets me apart is the experience I provide. It’s not just about makeup, it’s about connection, confidence, and care. Every client who sits in my chair becomes part of the Whipped by Kiara family. I don’t just want you to look beautiful — I want you to feel seen, celebrated, and whipped into your best self.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that purpose will always make room for you, even when the path doesn’t look clear. There were so many times I wanted to give up, but I realized that everything I’ve been through, losing my mom, starting from the bottom at Greenbriar Mall, facing the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, all of it was preparing me for this.

I’ve learned that success isn’t about how fast you get there; it’s about staying true to your “why.” For me, that “why” has always been bigger than makeup. It’s about honoring my mother’s legacy, empowering women, and reminding others that beauty is more than skin deep, it’s strength, resilience, and self-love.

Faith, perseverance, and authenticity have been my anchors. I’ve learned to trust God’s timing, stay grounded in gratitude, and keep showing up, even when it’s hard. Because when you move with purpose, every setback becomes a setup for something greater.

Pricing:

  • Full face makeup application starts at $125

Contact Info:

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