Meet Trailblazer Katrisa O’Neal

Today we’d like to introduce you to Katrisa O’Neal.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started doing my makeup in high school and, of course, there was no social media presence. I would buy magazines just to look at makeup and fashion and I would emulate the styles and different makeup looks, picking up on makeup tips and ways to do different makeup tricks. My favorite was Vaseline on the eyelid for the dewy look… anyway! Lol! I continued on throughout college and I would do my teammates hair & makeup, I would even wear makeup for my basketball games (my coach hated it… lol), but I had to be gorgeous, especially if it was on national television! I had to be Beat! Lol! So one of my friends noticed my love for beauty & make-up and she bought me 2 Kevin Aucoin books and I read those books until the spins broke and the pages started coming out! I was in love….he was makeup artists to the stars like Cher, Tina Turner, Madonna, Janet Jackson, Iman, etc… That’s when I first learned about highlighting & contouring to structure but no makeup artists were really doing it at time. Of course, you had counters like Clinique and Lancome, but MAC cosmetics had just started opening stores nationwide, which was a more edgy and pop culture, so that peaked my interest even more. However, as a struggling student, I couldn’t afford many items from MAC, but I would go browse to look at the products, ads, and artists that worked the counter to get tips of new looks.

After college, I pursued my career in basketball until I decided to forfeit my dream of playing in the WNBA & I decided to settle in Dallas. While here I’ve worked in corporate but never seriously thought of becoming an actual makeup artist. I’ve never worked for a cosmetic counter, so my craft and techniques are self-taught. I did, however, interview for a MAC counter in Parks Mall in Arlington, I had just started learning how to use brushes and only had the cheap ones at home…Lol! But nonetheless, I didn’t understand that counters take makeup that serious, so I didn’t get the job to say the least and she wrote BORING (in all caps) on the interview form because I was so nervous, I didn’t even let my personality shine & my model was one of my friends!! Lol! So… fast forward to now. After years of doing weddings, friend’s and family’s makeup & their push for me to seriously become a makeup artist, freelance or start my own business, I started to really consider it. I was skeptical, didn’t feel confident in my skills, it was so much I needed to learn (thank God for YouTube) & buy, I didn’t even have a name. It was until about 4 years ago one of my coworkers started calling me Katastic every single day.

At the time, I didn’t associate that nickname with the name for my makeup services. So, about 2016, one of my friends, Kirshae, was like OMG you need to start an Instagram page and just get out there and do it… go for it! So, we were brainstorming names and she said Kat-Fight Faces. I thought it was creative and catchy since we prefer to flawless makeup as a “Beat” honey!! (Two snaps… lol) But then, I remembered Katastic and I was like that’s it KATASTIC FACES, so I started my IG page & Kirshae and my other friend, Indea referred me to my 1st two clients as Katastic Faces. Since then my business has grown mostly through the fabulous referrals of so many people that believe in me (which I am so humbly grateful) & posting my pics on social media & really trying to learn the algorithms of getting more attention to my page and more followers. Nonetheless, this is a passion that turned into a hobby, that turned into a business… there is still so much to learn and I’m definitely not where I want to be, but this is just the beginning! There is more to come! This is truly a God-given talent that is growing into something I never expected. Thank you, for loving my craft enough to allow the opportunity for this country, self taught makeup artist to share & display my gift through your media outlet. This is so AMAZING! Thank You!

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 was not a smooth road! The beauty and makeup industry is so saturated, but I say if God gave you a gift, then it’s enough room for you too! You have to share your gift with someone! Believe, practice, and keep pushing!

We’d love to hear more about KatasticFaces.
I do makeup and microblading services. I’m most proud of my brand because it’s me… down to the name. My nickname is Kat & my personality of very outgoing and fun, so Katastic is very fitting for me and I try to provide that excitement and enjoyable moments while I am enhancing the beauty all these gorgeous women. What sets me apart is my precision… I work so hard to correct any mistakes no matter how small. I dedicate my efforts to ensure that my clients get the most out the their money, an enjoyable & rewarding experience and they walk away feeling fabulous, confident, & flawless!

So much of the media coverage is focused on the challenges facing women today, but what about the opportunities? Do you feel there are any opportunities that women are particularly well positioned for?
I think women’s opportunities are boundless. Social media and other media outlets give us an opportunity to show the world our skills, strength, resilience, beauty, amongst other great qualities that effectively attributes to our fight for social & gender equality.

Pricing:

• $65 full face
• $350 microblading
• $450 combo brows

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @katastic_faces
• Facebook: KatasticFaces

Image Credit:
KatasticFaces

Getting in touch: VoyageDallas 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.