Aquerrah Cannon shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Aquerrah, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
That’s a great question—lately, I’ve been slowly working my way back to who “Querrah/Kira” is outside of work. That’s looked like rediscovering my love for little joys: getting dressed up just because, library days where I can think and dream without rushing, trying new makeup looks that aren’t for clients, and just being present with people who pour into me. It’s been nice to remember that I’m more than my to-do list—I’m a whole person who deserves to enjoy life in between the hustle.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Aquerrah.
The creative force behind K.B.K Artistry, where I’ve spent years helping clients look and feel their best through the art of makeup. My passion for beauty has always gone beyond the surface—it’s about confidence, self-expression, and celebrating individuality.
That same passion inspired my newest venture, Complét Et Beau, a luxury-meets-playful fashion and beauty brand designed with full-figured women in mind. Both brands share the same heartbeat: creating spaces and experiences where people feel seen, celebrated, and empowered. Right now, I’m building Complét Et Beau piece by piece, blending high-fashion influence with everyday wearability, while continuing to expand K.B.K Artistry’s impact in the beauty world.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
Other than God Himself, who loves us deeply before we even know ourselves, I’d have to say my grandmother, the late great Rev. Annie R. Cannon. Even now, it feels strange to say “late” before her name—her presence was so alive and full of love that it’s hard to believe she’s not physically here. She saw me clearly before I ever really saw myself.
She had this way of making you feel like you could conquer the world, but also reminding you to stay humble and kind while doing it. Some of my favorite memories are simple ones—laughing in the kitchen, her little life lessons tucked into everyday conversations, or just sitting in comfortable silence with her. She poured so much into me, and those lessons still show up in the way I carry myself, the way I love others, and the way I chase my dreams.
She didn’t just see me—she helped me see myself, and I’ll carry that vision for the rest of my life.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
One of the biggest wounds in my life has been losing my grandmother this March and my oldest brother just two months later on Mother’s Day. It felt like the ground shifted under me, and for a while, I didn’t know how to find my footing again. Healing hasn’t been quick, and honestly, some days it still feels fresh. But I’ve learned that healing doesn’t mean forgetting—it means carrying their love with me in everything I do.
My FAITH has been my anchor, along with giving myself permission to feel it all instead of rushing through the pain. I honor them by living in a way that reflects what they poured into me—strength, compassion, and resilience. It’s not about “moving on,” it’s about moving forward while keeping them with me.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies in the beauty and fashion industry is that there’s only one standard of beauty—and that you have to fit into it to be worthy of being seen. That lie has been recycled for decades, often dressed up as “aspiration,” but really it’s exclusion in disguise. I’ve seen how it impacts people’s confidence, especially women with fuller figures or deeper skin tones who are often left out of the marketing, the product range, and the conversation altogether. My work with K.B.K Artistry and now Complét Et Beau is rooted in dismantling that myth. Beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s personal, it’s diverse, and it’s powerful when you own it on your own terms.
Because the truth is—beauty was never about fitting in. It’s about standing out, exactly as you are.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
I think what people will most misunderstand about my legacy is thinking they’ve already seen the whole story. I’m only 25—my story and legacy are still being built. What they see now is just the foundation, not the finished masterpiece. Yes, I’ve accomplished a lot, but trust me, this is only the first chapter. I’m not here to peak early—I’m here to build something lasting, and I’m just getting started. I try not to focus on other people’s perception of me too much.
I just pray that my work speaks for me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://therealkbkartistry.glossgenius.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/k.b.k_artistry?igsh=eXRlNmNpaGI0c3hr&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1VdbxQtXN3/?mibextid=wwXIfr
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
