Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alexia Kestellic. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Alexia, thanks for joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
After studying makeup, I began to see a gap in the industry. A lot of women were tired of heavy, overdone makeup and wanted a more natural, elevated look something that made them feel like themselves, just better. I saw an opportunity to combine two things I loved: art and authenticity. I wanted to bring a fresh take on French makeup, which was always known for its elegance, but make it more modern and approachable. That’s when I created the ‘Modern Californian French’ style a hybrid of French sophistication with
California’s laid-back, natural beauty. It felt like the perfect fusion of what I loved and what people were looking for.
The logic behind it was simple: women wanted to feel beautiful and confident, but they didn’t want to hide behind layers of makeup. They wanted to enhance their natural beauty in a way that felt effortless. I felt excited about this idea because it solved a problem I saw in the beauty world a lack of options for people who wanted a more refined yet natural approach. I knew it was something people would connect with because it was personal to me. I wasn’t just creating a makeup service; I was creating an experience where women could feel seen and elevated without losing their individuality
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.
At 19, I ran an import-export company, which, though fast-paced, wasn’t fulfilling. I then moved into the food industry, supplying luxury hotels like the Ritz-Carlton, but still felt unfulfilled. Eventually, I took a step back to ask myself what truly excited me. That’s when I rediscovered my passion for the art of makeup—a chance to express myself creatively and help others feel confident and beautiful. It wasn’t just a career change; it was a chance to reconnect with who I truly was.
Alexia Beauty Makeup is a makeup and hairstyle agency, we do makeups and hairstyles for Hollywood movie premieres, the Grammy awards, the Emmy Awards, Netflix, Prime Video, my work has been featured in Vogue Magazine and Marie Claire.
We also do bridal makeup and hairstyles and for any kind of event or photoshoot. My passion is the art of beauty, and I always make sure my clients leave with a smile and the most amazing look!
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
I believe that seeing myself as the expert I am has been key to building my reputation within my market. We often have a habit of being too hard on ourselves and fail to recognize our own skills and talents. It’s crucial to value your experience, because the expertise you have is priceless. Most people aren’t able to do what you do, so you are the specialist. When you’ve dedicated years to your passion or craft, and others seek your advice, it’s a clear sign that you are an expert. Trust their belief in you, and trust in yourself. By seeing yourself as the expert, you build genuine confidence in your career and set yourself apart from the competition. Your clients want the best service, so be the best and own it. Don’t underestimate your worth; embrace excellence and the expertise you bring.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
One lesson I had to unlearn was being too introverted. I used to be very reserved, focused solely on my work, and believed that doing a great job was the only thing that mattered. I was a dreamer, convinced that the path to my goals was through achieving both financial and personal independence.
Over time, through my business experiences, I realized the value of staying positive and open to the world around me. I built self-confidence and formed strong connections and strategic partnerships within the industry. Letting go of the anxiety and learning to stop being so guarded was a challenge in the beginning, but with time and experience, I improved. I’ve made lasting friendships through my work, and now I’m truly grateful for this valuable lesson that has shaped my career.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.alexiabeautymakeup.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexia.beauty.makeup/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558848792790&mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/mwlite/profile/in/alexia-kestellic-6329b2319?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Aemail_b2_professional_identity_digest_02%3BH%2BGhDRJYQzOUZltphNd2Yw%3D%3D&midToken=AQGIE6UfqIGr-w&midSig=1hvSOvmHuXabE1&trk=eml-b2_professional_identity_digest_02-header-0-profile_glimmer&trkEmail=eml-b2_professional_identity_digest_02-header-0-profile_glimmer-null-meszd2~m6pxky0m~zo-null-null&eid=meszd2-m6pxky0m-zo&otpToken=MTMwNjFiZTUxMzJjY2JjMmJkMmEwZmViNDExZGVmYjI4YmNlZDM0ODljYWE4ZTZjN2JjZTAxNjc0YjVmNWNmMWYzZDBkNWU5NDNmYWYzZmE0M2EzYWJjMjhkMTNhZDNhMDVmODZiNzI1ZGVjNGQ1NDZlOTU3MzAzLDEsMQ%3D%3D
- Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/alexia-beauty-makeup-santa-monica
Image Credits
Dana Gaydon