We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful GlowbyKourtney. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kourtney below.
Hi Kourtney, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I developed a passion for the beauty industry at a young age, around eight years old, when I eagerly watched shows like RuPaul’s Drag Race and Project Runway on Saturday mornings. Witnessing the transformations on RuPaul’s Drag Race, where drag queens became confident and dynamic personalities, inspired me deeply. From then on, I dedicated myself to practicing makeup techniques, hair styling, and fashion sketching.
During my high school years, I was fortunate to attend NOCCA, a creative arts high school, alongside my regular studies. It was during this time that my commitment to makeup artistry solidified, particularly through my focus on theatre design.
Moving into college, I seized numerous exciting opportunities. I had the privilege of working at New York Fashion Week, New Orleans Fashion Week, and collaborating with various brands. Additionally, my work has been featured in multiple international magazines, all achieved before I turned 21 years old!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I consider my ability to work across a wide range of clients a true blessing, yet it also presents challenges. Thanks to my training, I confidently apply makeup for anyone, irrespective of their race, age, or skin type. This versatility is a crucial skill for every makeup artist to possess, though regrettably, it’s not universally acknowledged.
The struggle arises because, as a black woman, I often encounter attempts to pigeonhole my talents. I’ve spent years striving to break free from these limitations. I firmly believe that my skills transcend racial boundaries and singular styles of makeup.
Moreover, starting out at a young age in this industry meant I had to fight for my place and constantly prove my knowledge. Many people don’t take you seriously when you’re two decades younger than them, which has been a persistent challenge. However, this journey has only fueled my determination to showcase my expertise and creativity without being confined by age or stereotypes.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I proudly consider myself a “jack of all trades” in the makeup industry. Currently, my specialties lie in bridal, TV/film, and red carpet makeup. Additionally, I’ve achieved considerable success in editorial and runway sectors. My signature style is delivering flawless, soft glam looks while consistently presenting myself as a consummate professional.
Beyond my artistic skills, I hold an MBA from Loyola University of New Orleans, which enhances my business acumen and professionalism. Recently, collaborating with Disney/ABC on a project was a dream come true for me. As an eight-year-old watching RuPaul in my pink bedroom, I never imagined I’d reach such heights, and this experience has been incredibly fulfilling.
What are your plans for the future?
I’m currently at a pivotal point in my career as I prepare to sign with an agency for the first time. While I have several agencies in mind, I’m particularly drawn to this path now to expand into more commercial work. Joining an agency represents an exciting opportunity for growth and new challenges, and I’m eager to pursue this next step in my professional journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.glowbykourtney.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glowbykourtney
Image Credits
Image of woman in pink dress and man: photographer was The Cork Bros
