Today we’d like to introduce you to Viktorija Bowers.

Hi Viktorija, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?

came to America during the war in the former Yugoslavia. Everything was so different from the life I had known, and trying to find my footing in a new country and unfamiliar environment was already challenging. But things became even darker and more difficult as I struggled to navigate the basics of daily life.

I was working as a ‘perfume girl,’ handing out samples, when I met a cool new crew from a newly opened cosmetics counter called MAC. I was instantly drawn to them—they were an unusual, expressive, and quirky crowd that spoke to my artist’s heart. They welcomed me with open arms, and as I devoured every makeup book I could find and practiced relentlessly, they gave me a chance.

The moment I held that brush in my hand, everything changed. I found clarity and purpose, something that lifted me from the deepest depths of despair and propelled me forward with determination and a clear vision for my future

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

It hasn’t been a smooth journey, that’s for sure. I had to navigate language barriers, cultural differences, and the challenge of learning to set boundaries (I’m a recovering people-pleaser, still working on it).

I moved to another city with a company and experienced being passed over for opportunities numerous times. But instead of dwelling on it, I chose to believe that something bigger was waiting for me. There’s a saying: ‘In order to move up, sometimes you need to move out.’

So, I went freelance—starting with makeup for CNN—and eventually moved to NYC to fully pursue a career in the fashion and advertising world

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?

I am a makeup artist with over 20 years of experience and the business owner of a brand-new company called Kit Ritual, which specializes in makeup kit organization for artists. I have collaborated with several well-known makeup brands on various projects, including brush development, face charts, and even murals made entirely out of makeup. What sets me apart is that I am also an illustrator—self-taught, just like with makeup. I incorporate my illustration skills into every aspect of my professional life, from the makeup world to packaging for my company, and even illustrating my own children’s book

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?

Because I had so much instability in my early life, I was sometimes left with no choice but to be pushed out to take another direction. I think because of instability sometimes I am scared to naturally take a risk, and I long for a simple and secure life, yet when I am met with denial, rejection, or an obstacle, I find myself taking a leap with purpose. I always thought of myself as water. I take the shape of the vessel I am poured in, but I retain my essence.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kitritual.com
• Instagram: viktorijabowers
• Facebook: viktorijabowers
• LinkedIn: Viktorija Bowers
• Youtube: viktorijabowers

Image Credits

Michael David Adams