We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Caitlyn Harris a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Caitlyn , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

The biggest risk I’ve ever taken was moving from a small town to a bigger city as a single mom to fully pursue my dreams as a hair and makeup artist. I made that decision 2 years ago knowing that would mean leaving behind an established clientele, steady and consistent income, and all around comfortable and stable lifestyle. Yet, I wanted more. I was in pursuit of something greater, and I knew this move would offer greater opportunity to explore my creative passions on a whole new level. Leaving behind the known for the unknown was an edgy move to make considering my circumstances, and I was willing to bet on myself and my skills that had already gotten me this far. This required immense courage and bravery to begin again and start building from scratch in a newer and much bigger environment.

Since taking that leap of faith I’ve only grown to be bigger and better than ever- not only as an artist, but as a human being. It forced me to grow and evolve in a multitude of ways. The consistent hard work and effort I’ve put in has gifted me opportunities and experiences I once only dreamed of. I’ve met and worked with so many beautiful people and creatives who constantly fill me with inspiration to keep creating a life that truly aligns with everything that sets my soul on fire. Making that move, building my own brand, and embracing the challenge of it all has taught me that following your heart is always a risk worth taking. Best decision I’ve ever made.

Caitlyn , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Caitlyn ThaRealestTaEvaDoIt Harris and I’ve been a hair and makeup artist for 12 years now. What started as a creative outlet when I was pregnant with my daughter has now become a full-time business that fully supports us.
I’ve always had a passion for the beauty industry and using my creativity in ways that provide value in service to others.

I work with women of all ages, races, and walks of life to create iconic hair and makeup looks that empower them to express and expand, unapologetically. This could mean a bride on her most special day, 1-on-1 makeup lessons for my Queens looking to master certain techniques or looks that they can use on an every day basis, wild and colorful looks for editorial photoshoots or fashion shows, or creating a poppin balayage service behind the chair for your next visit to the salon.

What sets me apart from others is not only my ability to produce high-quality results, but my ability to truly hold space for others while loving on them and creating a safe space and experience for them to truly witness their own beauty.

What I’m most proud of is having a heart-centered and soul led approach to beauty.
My brand is Beauty,Redefined and it is my mission to remind you of your true beauty. I believe in celebrating and honoring what makes us unique and different. I believe we should boldly take up space and use hair and makeup as a form of self-expression. I believe the most beautiful thing we could is remain rooted in love, and to love ourselves and others. I believe that together we can redefine society’s definition of beauty.

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

Being an artist is truly a spiritual experience. Being an artist requires curiosity, openness, and child-like wonder. It’s like a daily use of your imagination with the grounding experience of bringing your thoughts and ideas to life. You get to give your inner-child a voice while liberating yourself in the present. For me, this is the most rewarding aspect of being an artist.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

It’s true when they say you never know how strong you are until you have to be. I became a single mom when my husband unexpectedly passed away 2 weeks before our daughter turned 2. I was overwhelmed by what became my new reality. I was 22 years old at the time feeling very lost and afraid with zero healthy coping skills or education on how to deal with grief. I ended up gaining 130lbs in a 5 year time period.

After my dad passed away from cancer in 2019 I was absolutely devastated. He was my person, my rock, and my greatest supporter in life. It was then that I decided to completely transform my life. I wanted to honor him by living for the both of us and show up for my daughter in the ways he had always shown up for me. This became the start of my healing journey. Mind, body, and spirit.

I have officially lost 135lbs, moved to a city I’ve always loved, and started my own business as a hair and makeup artist.

This personal and transformative journey has been nothing but liberating. It has changed how I view myself and the world at large. I went from living in fear to taking an empowered approach and taking my life back.

My experiences have shaped who I am, but never define me. I now love myself and because of that I show up to my business, my relationships, and approach life in a completely different way.

I believe we can always choose to change, transform, and evolve no matter our circumstances because I’m living proof.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.beautyredefined.co
• Instagram: @beautyredefined.hmua

Image Credits

@david_se_photography
@parker_mckenzie_photography
@olgachagarovphotography
@gregglc
@kimberly_hanger