Meet Kristi Lauria

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kristi Lauria. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kristi below.

Kristi , so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

I don’t think you ever get completely over imposter syndrome. As a makeup and hair artist who also surrounds themselves with other incredible artists in the same field and mainly follows others on social media, I’m constantly exposed to insane talent 24/7. It’s definitely hard not to get caught up and wonder…why doesn’t my work look that clean or should I change up my aesthetic a bit to have more wow factor? But then I remember who I’m here to serve – for me that’s women who wear very little makeup day to day and worry about looking/feeling overdone on their big day. I think of all the incredible women I’ve had in my chair and how I was exactly what they needed, when it’s been so challenging for them in the past, to have a positive experience in a beauty chair. It reminds me that I don’t have to be doing what others are, I just have to be true to what makes me happy and keep putting myself out there because who I am and what I offer is exactly what my ideal client is looking for.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I always loved beauty so you can imagine how pumped 14-year-old me was to take cosmetology classes that were offered at my high school, and it was there that I learned that my local drug store was hiring a cosmetician for their beauty department. I went from working at Pizza Hut, to cosmetics and have been in it ever since! It’s been over 20 years now and I have had a really eventful career in the corporate side of the retail cosmetics industry. From working at the drug store, I got noticed by my favorite brand, Smashbox Cosmetics, and began freelancing for them, going to different retailers, doing makeup and creating instore buzz at events. After I graduated university (where I actually studied Drama) I got hired by the brand full time to be their Artistry Trainer for Toronto, Canada – my dream job! I even went on to be their Canadian media representative, working with press, doing live TV segments and hosting training videos with the retailers. After a while, I then went on to work with other brands, pivoting roles into Account Management and even National Trainer positions. It was when I got pregnant with our first and we moved out of the city and into the suburbs that my focus changed, and travelling around the country and constantly on the road wasn’t ideal anymore. While I continued working for beauty brands, I decided to switch my focus to freelancing and began working for local bridal teams doing makeup and bridal hairstyling as well! Then just last year, the full time corporate cosmetic role I was in, wasn’t fostering my artistic side or allowing for the connection with beauty experts that I loved. With wedding season around the corner and many discussions with my husband (this is now 2 kids, a house and two cars in) I decided to fully dive into my freelance business, give it my 100% focus and really see what I could do. It’s been one year now and while it’s definitely not all sunshine and roses, I’m pretty much fully booked with bridal to a point where I’m starting to grow a team! I’ve also made incredible connections with other female creatives in the Durham Region area, now diving into the world of branding photoshoots, doing hair and makeup for other incredible local entrepreneurs. I’m also stepping back into my love of training/educating by offering makeup lessons (1:1, small groups & parties!) where I get to teach women how to create everyday fresh makeup looks that enhance their unique beautiful features. Overall, I’m trying to be as open as possible to new ideas and opportunities and really enjoying seeing what sticks!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

For me, working in a retail environment, my theatre & speech communication back ground and my positive (and patient) attitude have all been key to where I am now.

My theatre & speech communication background is really what helped me be comfortable training and speaking in front of large groups. It’s got me through speaking on live tv and even just helps me show my face on social media. While I am a friendly outgoing person, I’m not an extrovert and I often go back to a lot of core drama exercises to get through big moments till this day.

My #1 advice for all aspiring makeup artists is to go work in retail. I know it’s not often glamorous but it’s honestly the best way to get working on all different skin tones, facial features, ages & personalities. It really is the best crash course to work on your makeup technique and even more importantly, people skills.

I’ve been very kindly told many times that I have a wonderful positive attitude and a great reputation. I’ve learned that this industry really is small and your name and people you have worked with will follow you. When I moved from Toronto and started working in a smaller suburban area, I truly thought I wouldn’t see many people I connected with while working downtown, and boy was I wrong. I’ve primarily been working in Durham Region now for 7 years and I still run into people I knew from my past all the time! I’ve also had wonderful opportunities offered to me due to these connections and positive impressions I’ve made both in the past and in my current interactions.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

As the bridal side of my business is growing, so is my team and I’m definitely finding fun new challenges that come along with that every day. I knew I would hit obstacles and have learnings; I just didn’t think they would come so early, lol. As an entrepreneur with my name literally on the business, it’s hard to let go and trust others to represent my company and provide the same service as I do. It’s also hard to put your CEO pants on when needed and have tough conversations, especially when you’re a Libra like me and hate confrontation. I keep asking myself, is it worth it to go in this direction or should I only continue to take bookings that I’m personally available for. But then I think of the future – getting older in this very physically demanding industry, working every weekend and missing moments and events with my kids as they grow up. So, I keep going, trust that this is a process and I’m also very fortunate to have a wonderful support team of artists to send very stressed messages to if needed. I’ll continue to check in with myself and if I really feel it’s not working, then I know it’s okay to pivot if needed, without every seeing it as a failure.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kristilauriaartistry.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristilauriaartistry

Image Credits

Christine Small Photography
Rosenlee Photography
Giulia Moltisanti Branding Photography
Josie Cipriano Photography