Meet Kanalyn Jackson

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kanalyn Jackson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kanalyn , 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’ve always had an interest in beauty. When I was 13 I picked up my first piece of blue, yes blue, eyeliner and never looked back. It looked messy but I made me feel good. It gave me confidence during a time when I felt awkward and like I didn’t belong. From then on I was all about making up my face and keeping my hair done. I would buy the latest beauty magazines and visit all of the makeup counters. I dreamed of working in the beauty industry but I took a more traditional path and went to a 4 year university to major in English education. Many years went buy and I kept my interest in makeup. I started to learn more about skincare and became hooked on the latest trends and products. I considered going to esthetics school but the time wasn’t right for me. One day I got really sick and was hospitalized. They way my job reacted caused me to rethink my career choices. I decided now was the time to follow my passion of beauty and go to esthetics school. I fell in love with the industry on the first day and haven’t looked back since. I became a licensed esthetician and currently teach esthetics at my former school. I wake up everyday knowing that I’m living in my purpose and fin joy in teaching my passion to others.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Right now I’m focused on teaching esthetics and becoming a fully licensed and building my beauty brand,K.Joye Beauty. Teach esthetics full time under the supervision of a license educator. I get to teach the next wave of estheticians facials, waxing, chemical peels, makeup application, brow care, and much more. Each day is different for me. We may be learning how to do dual exfoliation one day and greasing up for a makeup competition the next. I love when I see a concept click for one of my students, or when they discover they are talented in an area they thought they would not enjoy. I get to bring together. My passion for beauty and my background in education everyday. My beauty brand K.Joye Beauty is a direct result of following my passion and my purpose. My goal is to share my expertise as a licensed esthetician while showing how wellness and an active lifestyle contribute to the overall beauty of life. The most exciting thing about my brand is that it’s new and I get to create what. I want. I have the freedom to do what I want and what content makes the most sense to me.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

There things that have been most impactful on my journey are resilience, having personal drive, and being comfortable with being uncomfortable. I left a somewhat stable, high paying job to go back t school for esthetics. Not only did I have to give up my salary and benefits, but I gave up a beautiful apartment and moved in wit my parents. All to pursue my passion. I had to get really comfortable with being uncomfortable. I couldn’t spend money the way I used to. I had to get used to living in my childhood bedroom. I needed to be really certain that I was on the right path. During the course of my journey I’ve had to deal with illnesses and accidents. Finding a way to bounce back and be okay with not being okay was hard. And honestly I’m still working through that. What keeps me going is the fact that I’m doing something I love and I know that it will pay off in the end. My advise is to be gentle on yourself. Things are not always going to work out the way you wanted. Try to focus on your why, your purpose. Remember who you are what you are capable of. Take breaks and practice some self-care. Find time for mindfulness and fun. A support system will make things easier as well.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

There are many impactful things my parents have done for me but the most impactful thing was supporting in my journey to becoming an esthetician. I’ve always followed more traditional pathways. I went to college. I worked a typical job. I had my own place, etc. When I got sick and decided it was time for a career change, they supported my decision. They allowed me to come home and focus on school and getting well. Even though I’m their child, they did not have to do that. They could have said you’re an adult figure it out. They could have told me goals were silly and not have supported me. But they didn’t. They were al in for me doing something that I love and made sure to let me know they had my support. They often remind me that I’m doing the right thing and that they are proud of me. I will never forget their support and will be forever grateful.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @K.Joye.beauty