Meet Katy Simmons

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Katy Simmons a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Katy, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

I didn’t know for a long time what I wanted to be when I grew up. But I always loved beauty and makeup. I have vivid memories of running into grandmas house and wondering if the curlers I put in the Barbie makeup head months ago had made her hair REALLY curly!? I remember seeing my mothers wedding photos and being mesmerized by her liquid eyeliner, and asking what it was and how to do it? I have memories of asking my Dad to help me carve eyelashes into my jack – o- lantern at Halloween. I think beauty and how to do it, have always been in my blood. I just fell into doing eyelash extensions after all kinds of careers that felt way too much like a job I had to do. Doing lashes comes natural. I am not sure how I found my purpose I think it found me?

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I am a licensed esthetician specializing in eyelash extensions and makeup artistry. I have been doing eyelash extensions since 2010, when lashes were new and not many people were doing them, Prior to doing lashes full time I was a professional makeup artist since 2002, working on independent films, music videos, and print media shoots. I am always taking new clients and I love making people feel beautiful! I love the transformation lashes can do to someones face! It’s powerful and can give people such a confidence boost. Eyelash extensions only need to be done every few weeks or so, so it’s also an easy way to feel beautiful every day! My tag line is that eyelash extensions are a high maintenance service that make you a low maintenance girl! As for my off time, I use to play in bands and singing is a passion I will always have, and continue to do even though it gets less focus than it use too. It’s my form of meditation and will always be a part of my life.

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?

I think that I have always been an artist, but I didn’t know it. I couldn’t ever draw a face, but I could color it with makeup. It’s the same with lashes. I can look at someones face and just know the shape of lashes that will look good on them. I apprenticed with someone who was VERY good at his craft and taught me everything I know. I would say pay attention to the things you are good at, and don’t judge them. get curious. I always thought I must not be an artist because I couldn’t draw the face, But I was wrong. Also find someone who is good at what they do, shadow them, interview them, be curious! And practice practice practice! I did makeup on mine, and my friends faces, and did so many friends lashes before I thought I was good enough to actually offer it as a service,

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

My parents always told me I could be anything I wanted to be when I grew up. But they also wanted me to go to college. So I went for an associates degree, But when I didn’t know what I wanted to do with a degree I just explored my creative side. My mom forced me through 8 years of piano lessons and I HATED most of it. She always said “one day you will thank me!” She let me switch to guitar at some point. But she was right, I did thank her, I played keyboards in my first band. I think they gave me my work ethic and desire to always be able to take care of myself and provide for myself. I think they gave me my stubborn drive to prove someone wrong who thinks I can’t succeed.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Headshot photography by Kat Berbari

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