Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Anna Kleman. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Anna, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.
My optimism is deeply rooted in my faith, my journey with mental health, and the unwavering support of my family. Faith has always been my anchor, reminding me that even in the hardest moments, there’s a bigger plan at work. My mental health journey taught me resilience and the value of finding light in dark places. Those experiences have shaped how I see the world—they’ve shown me that struggles can lead to strength, and setbacks can open doors to unexpected opportunities.
My family has also been my constant reminder of what truly matters. They’ve celebrated my highs and stood by me during the lows, and their love encourages me to approach life with hope and positivity.
I believe life is unpredictable and full of surprises, both good and bad. While I can’t control what happens, I can control how I perceive it. I choose to assume the best in people and in the world because that perspective makes life brighter and more meaningful. Optimism doesn’t mean ignoring reality—it means finding the potential for good in every situation and letting that guide you forward.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Thank you for the opportunity to share more about my journey! My name is Anna Kleman, and I’m passionate about creating beauty, connection, and empowerment through my work. I wear a couple of hats professionally, which keeps things exciting and fulfilling.
First, I run Makeup with Anna K, where I specialize in bridal and event makeup. I’ve built my business on the belief that every client deserves to feel radiant and confident on their big day. One of the most special aspects of my work is seeing a bride light up when she looks in the mirror—it’s such a privilege to be part of those once-in-a-lifetime moments.
In addition, I’m the Senior Director of Operations for Le Rêve Makeup & Hair and Le Rêve Château Salon & Spa. This role allows me to help manage and grow two businesses that share my vision of beauty and community. With Le Rêve Makeup & Hair, we specialize in making weddings and events unforgettable by providing exceptional on-site beauty services. At Le Rêve Château Salon & Spa, we’ve created a luxurious space for clients to not only enhance their outer beauty but also find relaxation and rejuvenation.
What’s exciting right now is the growth and evolution of these brands. At Makeup with Anna K, I’m preparing for the 2025 wedding season and connecting with new clients while continuing to provide exceptional service to my existing ones. At the salon and spa, we’re constantly innovating—whether it’s through educational initiatives for our staff, the launch of new services, or events that bring the community together.
I’m also focused on initiatives like expanding our affiliate program for teen clients and supporting my team members in achieving their professional goals. For me, it’s not just about providing beauty services—it’s about fostering confidence, creativity, and a sense of belonging.
Ultimately, what drives me is the opportunity to make people feel seen, valued, and beautiful in their own unique way. If you’re a bride-to-be, someone looking for a self-care experience, or just curious about how beauty can change your day, I’d love to connect with you!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, I’d say three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are resilience, communication, and adaptability.
1. Resilience
Building a business and leading teams come with challenges, setbacks, and moments of self-doubt. Resilience has been my foundation in those times—it’s about staying focused on the big picture, learning from mistakes, and finding ways to keep going, even when things feel overwhelming. For anyone starting their journey, I recommend embracing failure as part of growth. Each stumble teaches you something valuable, and the sooner you learn to see challenges as opportunities, the stronger and more prepared you’ll be for the road ahead.
2. Communication
Whether it’s with clients, team members, or vendors, strong communication has been essential in building trust and fostering relationships. Clear, honest, and empathetic communication has helped me create connections that are not just professional but personal. My advice for those just starting out is to focus on listening as much as you speak. Understanding others’ needs, goals, and perspectives will set you apart and build lasting relationships.
3. Adaptability
The beauty industry—and life in general—is constantly evolving. Being open to learning new techniques, trying fresh ideas, and adapting to trends or unexpected changes has been key to staying relevant and inspired. For example, I’ve embraced new ways of promoting my work through social media and shifted strategies when needed to support my team or clients better. If you’re early in your journey, focus on being flexible and willing to step outside your comfort zone. Growth happens when you’re open to change and ready to take risks.
My advice to anyone starting out is to be patient with yourself. You don’t have to have everything figured out at once. Invest in your growth, find mentors, and stay committed to your vision, even if it evolves over time. Your unique qualities and perspective will set you apart—lean into those and trust the process.
How would you describe your ideal client?
My ideal client is someone who values the artistry and experience behind what we do. Whether it’s for a wedding, a special event, or a self-care moment, I love working with clients who are open, collaborative, and excited about the process.
They don’t have to know exactly what they want—sometimes the best part is guiding them to discover what makes them feel most confident and beautiful. I appreciate when clients trust my expertise and come ready to share their vision while being open to suggestions that enhance it.
What truly makes an ideal client for me is someone who understands that beauty is about more than just the surface. It’s about creating a feeling—whether that’s calm and relaxed during a spa day or radiant and confident walking down the aisle. I also love working with people who value connection and are looking for more than just a service—they want an experience that’s personal, memorable, and tailored to them.
At the end of the day, my goal is to make every client feel seen, understood, and celebrated. My favorite clients are those who walk away not just loving their look but also feeling uplifted and excited about their day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.makeupwithannak.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeup.with.annak/
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
