Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly Graves.
Kimberly, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
As a young girl going into high school, I began playing around with make-up, like most young creatives tend to do. I know you remember the one coat of eye shadow and the thin brows… yep, that was me. I have always had a thing for beauty and cosmetics, but being a Make-Up Artist never crossed my mind; I just knew that I wanted my face to be done as much as I felt the need. While growing up, you never know why God will have you learn certain things, but my mom and sister Elizabeth sparked my knowledge in using make-up by teaching me how to apply lashes and arch my eyebrows. In my mind, I thought, “Oh, they’re just teaching me how to groom myself as a woman,” but God had bigger plans.
In the beginning, I started off applying make-up for my sister, friends, and neighbors for free and for fun. Around that time period, I was graduating high school and started working at McDonald’s, my first job; and I every bit of loved that place. While working 6 am shifts there, I always wore make-up. After years of being employed there (and I mean years), I was finally over going to work because my clients were multiplying doing make-up. So, I decided to cut my availability at McDonald’s, and I began questioning why did I go at all. I realized that I was hanging on to a comfortable position out of fear. One day, I had an honest talk with myself during my journal time and had to decide between going after my dreams or going to McDonald’s every day when I did not have to. Choosing to go after my dreams was such a huge jump for me, but no turning back now.
I can say that God has truly been with me throughout my decision of believing he will provide everything I need. He provided clients, favor with different people at the local beauty supply stores, and even built my make-up kit. I did not have all of the money needed to get all of the make-up needed. Social media has also played an important role because that is how the majority of my clients come into contact with me. This created an opportunity for me to meet people from different sides of the world and realized that my experience at this and future growth in clientele. All in all, I am proud to say that I am a self-taught Make-Up Artist, and not to toot my own horn, but I’m pretty cold with the brushes.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
To become a Freelance Make-Up Artist was the best executive decision I have made in life thus far, yet of course, it has its challenges like every other career. Most jobs provide a routine schedule, everyday clientele, an establishment to physically go to, and most importantly a definite paycheck. Being a Freelance Make-Up Artist is a career that requires a lot of patience. It takes time, a lot of time, to actually get your business up and running; and that alone can be very stressful to deal with. Also, a MUA has to uphold a different lifestyle compared to employees of other jobs due to how social you have to be. The most challenging moments happen when you commit to something you are passionate about. Yet, I have always had the mindset of knowing “troubles don’t last always”, and I take every challenge as a valuable lesson. I learned to laugh through many of my mistakes because getting upset only made to a situation worse.
My first advice to all young woman is to pray! Always pray over yourself and your business. Mental and spiritual strength is highly important because the inconsistencies of being an entrepreneur can sometimes be depressing. Second, if an opportunity is meant for you, you will know. Remember that every opportunity is not meant to be taken. People will not always understand your vision, but just like in make-up, trust the process will be the same with your business. Trust yourself and be confident even when you meet people that you can not satisfy; keep moving forward. Also, continuously learn and practice with people that will be honest with you yet will not tear you down. Last important gem of advice is to always give your all!
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
My duty as a Freelance Make-Up Artist is to enhance the beauty of a person and do so to the fullest of my abilities. I prepare people for all types of event such as photo shoots, weddings, video shoots, birthdays, an more. My specialties are my eyebrows and natural glam face.
I am most proud of how far God has brought my business, and me as a person overall. It is also an honor to be able to book clients from different states, and hosting a make-up class that exceeds past my expectations. My determination, creativity, and personality set me apart from other artists in my field of work. God gave me a natural yet unique gift through make-up. Everything flows naturally for me, and it is in me to take care of those around me.
Do you feel like there was something about the experiences you had growing up that played an outsized role in setting you up for success later in life?
My biggest inspiration comes from a lady I truly believe was sent from heaven above, my Mommie. I really thank God for placing a song spiritual role model in my life, being able to see her faith and relationship with God was all the inspiration I needed on my journey. That lady is powerful. She was always a hard worker, provider for her kids, and always had bills paid. Her determination and drive were everything. She inspires me every day to depend on no one but God because He will never leave you stranded. In tough situations, all she ever did was pray, and if she cried I knew she cried with faith.
Pricing:
- Full face: $65
- Brows and lashes: $25
- Brows lashes and eyeshadow $40
Contact Info:
- Email: kimgraves24@gmail.com
- Instagram: Uploadingbeauty
Image Credit:
Capturedbyque, jmeansphotography
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