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

Kaitlin, appreciate you joining us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

I’m closing in on my 4th year as a full-time freelancer in this industry. It’s been the most rewarding experience and it gives back to me everything I put into it.

I have several long-time client relationships I’ve built over the last 10 years in the city and I love being able to curate different looks for them that evolve with time. We get to know each other well and I just love doing makeup so it’s a win-win for me.

My creative gift also gives me the freedom to make my own schedule (even it’s jam packed sometimes), so I can spend as much time as possible with my family. Peace, family and freedom is all we need.

Kaitlin, 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?

I’ve been a hair and makeup artist for 13 years and I got my official start when I was working for MAC in 2011. I grew to love spending time with different people and cultures, branching out completely on my own in 2020.

In 2018, I added hair styling to my services and it really boosted the quality I’m able to provide for my client. I really love to be able to give my clients a luxury, but laid back experience. We end up feeling more like family when we’re done.

I’ve always referred to myself as a make up stylist, curating and detailing looks that cater to each individual client. I don’t know that I have a specific style of artistry, but I do believe that everyone who sits in my chair has their own individual style. I’m just here to bring it to life.

That’s what I’m most proud of, creating a brand and business that’s just as loyal as my clients have been to me. I show up for them, rain, sleet, or snow and in the last hour. I look forward to continuing to connect with new and diverse clients.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

In the beginning of my journey, to becoming a freelance artist, I knew about what type of service I wanted to provide for my client, but not the behind-the-scenes business work that’s just as important.

For me, it was really impactful to find a business mentor to help propel my ideas forward. In 2019, I started working with Angelica Pompy with Pompy Portraits as their exclusive hair and make up artist. She’s such a force in this industry and has amazing knowledge to share. She’s been a bad ass mentor and friend to me.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

There always been so many things I loved about being an artist. Connecting with people, making people see themselves the way I do, breathing life into everyone I meet.

I think what most people may not see is that as much as that fills us up, it depletes us as well. We put so much time into honing our craft and giving back to our clients, our work is more than just curling hair or applying makeup. We’re changing lives and how people feel.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.bossmakeupartistry.com
• Instagram: @makeupboss
• Facebook: Boss Makeup artistry
• Linkedin: Kaitlin Francois
• Twitter: Katie makeup

Image Credits
Jacksonville Roar Simply Grace Photos NS Photobook Pompy Portraits Michele John Photography