Story & Lesson Highlights with Kelsea Johnson of Tampa, FL

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Kelsea Johnson . Check out our conversation below.

Good morning Kelsea, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What is a normal day like for you right now?
Right now, a normal day in my life looks like a healthy balance of work and fun! You can find me dashing across the bridge glamming client after client, washing brushes over the sink in my kitchen, and answering emails at my fav matcha spot! But, I also make it a point to attend daily yoga classes, walks in the park, events on the pier, and live music whenever possible!

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi there! My name is Kelsea and I am a Professional Traveling Makeup Artist! I started this journey over 6 years ago and haven’t looked back since! I specialize in wearable soft glam for the effortless woman. Makeup is an incredible tool to completely transform or just subtly enhance and I love being able to bring that to people all over the country! So no matter how big or small the occasion or far the destination, I can be there help foster a confidence through my art.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
A relationship that definitely shaped how I see myself today would have to be the one with my mom. From an early age she taught me to be observant, independent, loyal, kind, and open minded. I think these attributes not only shaped how I view myself but also my work, and the world around me. Something she said that always sticks with me is, “the point of wearing makeup is to look like you’re not wearing any.” And that’s not to say, don’t wear makeup but to make it look like that’s just how you look naturally! I think in hearing this growing up I always just wanted to feel beautiful naturally, in my own skin, without drastically changing my appearance. As young girls, it can be hard not to criticize ourselves but growing up, I never saw my mom talk down about herself. She always felt beautiful, naturally. I definitely take this approach into my work with brides and how to enhance their features best!

What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
One of the biggest defining wounds of my life was the passing of my mom. It’s hard to assess if you’ve truly healed from a loss like that but I like to think if she could see me today she would be super proud of what I’ve done, who I’ve become, and where I’m headed in life! Her greatest goal was for me to succeed and I’m healed in the fact that I know I’m on the right path to success. And I always carry her quote with me in every Makeup Application so I know she’s always there.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
I would definitely say the public version of me is the real me. I want to show up authentically in every way—online, in business, relationships, publicly and privately. My Instagram (@kelseajmua) is a combination of my art and my life because each are intertwined and influence one another. I want clients to book me because they love my work but stay because they relate to me in some way. Whether that be through beauty, food, music, style, etc I want people to know my real interests, thoughts, and values.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
If I retired tomorrow I think my customers would miss my makeup of course, but truly I think they’d miss how much I hype them up and my jokes. During your appointment, I am your biggest hype girl. Being around someone who makes you look good is nice, but someone who makes you feel good AND makes you look good Is top tier. And you can’t replicate personality! So, I don’t think I’ll be retiring any time soon!

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