Today we’d like to introduce you to Kennedy Whitten.
Hi Kennedy, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey as a makeup artist started at a very young age. I always dabbled in makeup and loved creating looks on myself. When I was 16 years old, I was asked to do bridal makeup for the very first time, and I instantly fell in love. I did make up for special occasions and weddings through the remainder of my high school years, and all through my years in college. Taking the time to always sit down and stay up to date with trends and perfecting my craft has always been a huge part of my journey. I love being the best I can be, which means education never stops. I am now a licensed Esthetician, a certified Makeup Artist, and a college graduate and I have no plan to stop learning as much as I possibly can. My knowledge of my craft allows me to provide the best experience for each client who sits in my chair, and to me, that is the most important thing. I look forward to the future and all that it holds for Skin by Ken.
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?
There is never a ‘smooth’ road for a small business to travel on. There are always obstacles and things that make the climb tough, but these obstacles are nothing short of achievements as they have shaped my business into what it has become today. I definitely experienced a large amount of growth in a very short period of time, which led to being extremely overwhelmed and not really understanding what I had gotten myself into. I did what I felt was right and just figured it out. There was no backing out for me. This was my dream and I knew what I needed to do even though I never had a clear path paved for me, and that was to always persevere and keep my goal in sight. There will never be a time that I am fully satisfied because I am always wanting to grow and be better than I was yesterday, but it’s an amazing feeling to have an idea and tactics about how to successfully start and maintain organic growth of a newly founded business.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in bridal and special events makeup. My heart is all in weddings and it is the absolute best feeling getting to be a part of others’ big days. To some people, their wedding day is the most special day of their life, and to know I got to be a part of that and help make them feel their best, is such an unbeatable feeling. I focus my work on being classic and timeless. I take my time with each client to understand their skin concerns and needs and work with them to create their perfect look. I want my clients to look back in 20 years and still feel beautiful and love their makeup as much as they did on the day of their wedding.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Everyone faced significant struggles during the COVID-19 pandemic. I remember being in my college apartment hearing about it for the first time and freaking out. I didn’t know what the future held and what was to come. Once the outbreak was official, I felt there was no way my business could ever survive. At this time, I had not officially established my business, it was still an occasional hobby, but seeing all of the other small businesses around me drowning and not knowing their next move, I was terrified to ever make this dream a reality. Now, almost two and a half years later and the one thing I learned is to never let any obstacle stop you from doing what you truly want to do. There will always be obstacles thrown in your way but it’s up to you to determine your next move and keep flourishing. That’s what life is all about.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.skinbyken.org/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/skinby.ken?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Skin-By-Ken-102148035740230/
Image Credits
Aidan Ashlyn Photography
