We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kiara Shannelle. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kiara below.
Kiara, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?
I am able to be full time with my work, thank god! But it has not been easy. I worked at a body waxing place for 10 years alongside working as a freelance makeup artist to help make ends meet until I felt I was able to be completely full time as a makeup artist.
I’m not sure if there are any steps I could say would’ve made the process quicker, some things just the time, And that’s completely ok!
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
Sure thing! I’m a Jacksonville native, a mom and wife! I’ve been a makeup artist for over 10 years and am a huge nerd as well! I firmly believe in the Marvel/Anime/Potter universes and can go on way too long about them! Lol
I started in commercial makeup artistry and went into bridal and beauty work along the way and love them all! I think as makeup artists we all have our own signatures, and mine I believe is that my work is intimate. I try to capture and enhance someone’s beauty instead of covering it up.
In all these years of continuous growth and blessings, I’m most proud the name I’v create for myself while being authentically myself. During a rough period, I stopped practicing for a while and missed it too much. It was as if a part of me was missing. So I’m just proud of myself for pushing forward. :)
Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?
I think the power of community is an underestimated resource. I always knew there were people who shared the same passions, but I was just down right scared to interact, lol! Instagram is a wonderful way to meet and build community I will say! My creative family has been one of the biggest blessings.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
I’ll be honest, I don’t always know my. end goal. But I do know something that drives me is just wanting to create an environment of peace and self love when my clients and peers are with me.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Laina Tortorici Photo, Celeste Burns Photography, Toni Smailagic, Stefani Keeler Photography, Maria Berlin and Verance Photography, Desire Photography and Film