Meet Kym Nicole Oubre

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kym Nicole Oubre a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Kym Nicole, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

I decided to build my confidence and self-esteem through my determination to change my life.
I grew up being teased about my coarse hair, my features and was frequently mistreated. I developed very low self-esteem, low self worth and zero confidence. I loved beauty and the art of hairstyling and was determined to learn how to style my own hair to avoid bullying. As I played in makeup, it became a therapeutic and creative outlet that helped me see and feel my beauty. I began periodically speaking words of encouragement and love to myself and as my confidence grew stronger, I would stand in the mirror and recite positive affirmations, overtime strengthening my sense of self worth and celebrating my inner beauty. At the time, I didn’t know that I was reshaping my subconscious mind or even what to call it. I just knew that life had to feel better or I wasn’t going to survive.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

As a professional makeup artist and retired cosmetologist with over 2 decades of experience in the beauty industry, I wear many hats: author, educator and cosmetic brand owner ( The Glam Precinct ). I specialize in makeup artistry for television and film, where I have the exciting roll of transforming actors and helping to bring characters to life on screen.

What I find most exciting about my work is the creative processes and collaborating with like-minded creatives who are passionate about their craft and bringing a shared vision to life. Each project presents a unique challenge and opportunity to be innovative, refine my skills and efficiency. I also love working with everyday people, not just celebrities. Helping them see themselves through my eyes and watching them discover and appreciate their unique features is incredibly rewarding.

My brand is an extension of my commitment to beauty and empowerment. Through The Glam Precinct, I strive to create high-quality products that inspire confidence and creativity in everyone who uses them. Additionally, I am passionate about sharing my knowledge through educational incentives for my customers and helping others develop their creative voice through workshops, tutorials and principals that have shaped my career. My brand is more than just makeup- it’s about helping people discover and celebrate their unique beauty.

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?

Looking back, the three qualities that have been most important in my journey are versatility, resilience and continuous learning.

Versatility: I’ve excelled at effectively woking with all skin shades and skin types. This ability has been essential in making everyone that sits in my chair feel accepted, comfortable, loved and positive about themselves. For those early in their journey, I suggest gaining experience with various skin shades, skin types, and learning the specific techniques and products that work best for each individual. This will aid in not only enhancing your skillset but also offering a welcoming environment.

Resilience: The beauty industry can be extremely competitive and demanding. Resilience has helped me navigate obstacles and stay focused on my goals. For newcomers, it’s not an east path but stay diligent in developing thick skin and don’t be discouraged by criticism or failures. Give yourself grace.

Continuous Learning: The beauty industry is always evolving. Trends, techniques and products are continuously shifting. Staying updated and investing time in improving skills through education or practice is crucial. For those starting out, I advise seeking mentorship, attending beauty events and, continuing to expand your knowledge to stay ahead of the curve.

My advice is to embrace these qualities and make them an important of your personal and professional development. Stay inquisitive, be adaptable, and always strive for excellence in even the smallest of task. Allow your kindness and infectious positive energy make an impression before you enter a room.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, I focus on the positive aspects of the situation and center myself to shift my focus to the good of whatever is around me. I remind myself of my strengths through positive affirmations and practice deep breaths to calm my mind. I break down tasks into smaller, more manageable steps and prioritize what needs to be done first. I take short breaks to relax, practice mindfulness and do activities that bring me joy and help me to regain my balance. I also find it extremely helpful to talk to supportive people who offer advice, encouragement and a fresh perspective.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.theglamprecinct.com
• Instagram: @theglamprecinct and @kymmyizabeauty
• Facebook: The Glam Precinct
• Youtube: @Kymmyizabeauty
• Other: TikTok: @theglamprecinct

Image Credits

Alexandria Kasparian
Bobby Quillard
Jarrelle Lee
Dejah Designz
Ashley Nicole Byrd