Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Kelly.
Heather, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I grew up watching my mother artfully apply her makeup and naturally, wanted to emulate the process. She is a makeup artist herself, so you could say it’s in my blood. During Fashion Design school I found myself doing the models’ makeup for all of our shows. It is definitely a creative outlet for me. After working for several beauty brands, including Bobbi Brown, MAC, and NARS, I knew I wanted to set out on my own and help women learn a valuable skill they could use for life. Today, I have the pleasure of working with brides on their special day, ladies needing head shots setting out on new career paths and everyday women wanting to learn how to master their everyday look.
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?
I am a student at heart and love to continually learn. During my years working for beauty brands, I loved gaining knowledge of new products and application techniques. At the end of the day, however, I knew sales were not something I could continue to enjoy after seven years. Artistry is my passion, and I am grateful I get to focus solely on that today.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Heather Kelly Artistry story. Tell us more about the business.
I specialize in weddings and makeup lessons. If you ask any of my clients about their experience, they’ll tell you the makeup felt weightless and they felt beautiful. I believe makeup should enhance your natural features and not mask them. We want to make your eyes pop and your complexion glow. I’d say the one thing I’m most proud of is having my clients return for several more special events because they loved the way they felt in their new look.
Do you have any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general? What has worked well for you?
Get involved in as many events as you can. You never know who you are going to meet. When I first moved to Austin seven years ago, I immediately joined a mashup team for Austin Fashion Week. You’re thrown into the mix of likeminded creatives to produce a fashion-forward image. With a photographer, designer, makeup artist and hairstylist we created “Miss Ritz,” a 1920’s themed look. Our team won a Critics Choice nomination, and it was such a fun experience! I also contacted several photographers looking to collaborate. If you’re looking to build a portfolio this is the best thing you can do to get it started.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.heatherkellyartistry.com
- Phone: 512-221-8229
- Email: hlkdesigns@gmail.com
- Instagram: @heatherkmua
- Facebook: facebook.com/heatherkellymakeupartistry
Image Credit:
Wampler Photography, Mercedes Morgan Photography, Flashpool Productions
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