We were lucky to catch up with Brianna Kelley recently and have shared our conversation below.
Brianna , so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
How have I learned to be effective and successful even when I am the only one in the room that looks like me? I have learned to always stand out whether that be my signature bantu knots, my radiant smile that lights up a room upon my entrance, or my sense of plus size fashion that oozes confidence that will leave you in ahhh. Oh, and let’s not forget my outstanding professionalism that will have you wanting to know how you can be in the same room with me again! I have always stayed committed to myself. My goal is to always make an impact on anyone I come in contact with. I have always chosen to learn from the people in the room. Taking notice of small things in the room only adds to your success. And me being in a room where I am the only that looks like me will always been an advantage. Outside of my appearance it is a great conversation starter for me. They want to know how I got here!
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?
Hi! I am Brianna Kelley professional makeup artist, beauty educator, and brand owner of Beaute’ By Brianna. Since early childhood I have always been passionate about art. In the last 10 years one of my most exquisite expressions of art has been becoming a professional makeup artist. I have been trained and now specialize in a wide range of luxurious personalized beauty services. I have also in the last year taken on the title of beauty educator! Meaning I am ready to share my knowledge and wisdom of the beauty industry. Beaute’ By Brianna is available for various on site and in studio makeup and beauty needs. This includes bridal and wedding services, special occasion services, 1-0n-1 makeup classes, photo shoots, and much more. I am based out of Austin, Texas and I am available to travel outside of Texas as well. Beaute’ By Brianna is a worldwide brand that has been seen at the Grammy’s and New York Fashion Week. Also, named “Makeup Artist of the Year” 2022 for The Local City Awards.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. Good communication skills- Talk to your clients, get to know them on business and personal level, and figure out what they want. It is possible that you’ll have client for life if you know exactly what their needs are. A competent makeup artist should be able to communicate effectively with others. In other words, someone with a friendly and welcoming attitude. Makeup artists indeed deal with a wide range of people of diverse personalities. Nobody wants to work with a makeup artist who is arrogant or unfriendly.
2.Learn to Adapt- Makeup changes every day! Change is inevitable, and being able to adapt to it is an important skill for a makeup artist to possess.
3.Hunger to Learn & Grow- Learning is a constant in the field of beauty, as it allows you to develop and improve your skills. Knowing current trends will help you stay on top of what your customers want while still allowing you to achieve the best results. Nothing beats the thrill of discovering something new and mastering it. You never know, but staying updated and learning new things could just open new doors for you.
Since everyone is an artist in their own right, there are no set of rules that come with a good makeup artist. You are executors of art, which gives you the freedom to express their creativity and skills to their heart’s content.
If you knew you only had a decade of life left, how would you spend that decade?
Currently I would say a challenge for me is deciding to put the brush down completely and focus 100% on teaching other upcoming makeup artist. Every time I say I am putting the brush down; I pick it right back up. It is the personal bonds I have built with each of my clients that makes it so hard. My clients literally trust me and only me to achieve their desired look. I want to be able to devote 100% of my time to my students to ensure the learn the correct theory of makeup. That is how the most successful makeup artist is able to expand.
Contact Info:
- Website: beautebybrianna.glossgenius.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/_beautebybrianna_
- Facebook: www.facebok.com/beautebybrianna
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/brianna-kelley-5b81a9245
