We recently connected with Bre Khounphinith and have shared our conversation below.

Bre , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

I started as a makeup artist in 2011, only part time. At the time, I was a full time hairstylist. With the help of social media, instagram to be exact. Makeup took over and became my full time job. I completely stopped doing hair and became a full time makeup artist in 2016. I definitely believe, better yet know that the wonders of Instagram helped move my professional career as makeup artist.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Becoming a professional makeup artist was never a goal of mine. As stated before, I was a hairstylist and that’s all I wanted to be. At least that’s what I thought at the time. I would always get asked about my own makeup. As well as receive messages on Instagram, asking if I did makeup. So I decided to take it for a spin and here I am now. I can truly say the artistry of makeup is my passion. I had no clue at the time but now 12 years later. I couldn’t see myself doing anything else. I’ve been known for my red carpet looks, and my natural glam. I’m most proud of still being prominent in an ever evolving industry. My main objective is that my clients know, that when they sit in my chair. I am going to give them my all, every single time.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

There are definitely resources, I wish were readily available in my early career. Artists could benefit from more resources and education on the business aspect of being a makeup artist. The business behind it all. Contracts, insurance, media kits etc. All of those things are equally important as talent. But aren’t taken as seriously as it should be.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being a makeup artist. Is the confidence we are able to bring to women by simply enhancing their natural beauty. A lot of times it brings them tears. They feel so beautiful. It’s a blessing to be able to do what is we do. This for me is most rewarding part of this job for me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @beautybybre

Image Credits
Photo 1: Sheensea Photo 2: Reginae Carter Photo 3: LaLa Anthony