We recently connected with Kash Thompson and have shared our conversation below.

Kash, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

As a child my mother pushed that success was measured by the level of profession you acquired. To be a doctor, lawyer, etc was the ceiling. Being a creative was not something that was honored nor pushed. As a youth, I would sneak and wear my mothers burgundy lipstick, put on my cousins press ons, to wearing my aunts black catsuits. I was a lover of all things fashion and beauty. Once in college I pursued a degree in business management. I knew that I wanted to be my own boss and have a business of my own. I’ve always been drawn to entrepreneurship and its hustle. While working at a makeup counter I was faced with the challenge of branching off and becoming a freelance makeup artist or remaining where I was. I prayed hard and asked to be guided into my purpose. I took a leap of faith and never looked back. Within the first month of entrepreneurship I made roughly $60. I was a single parent with bills and this was very discouraging but I knew I could overcome this. My determination and ambition was kicked into overdrive. I started to promote my makeup artistry on social media more, I started to make my own branding material, I started offering makeup classes, and then one day snagged my first celebrity client; Trina (Miami rapper). This push created an upward trajectory in my career. I knew that the best form of business was word-of-mouth and with this understanding I soared. I made sure I never burnt bridges with any clients in order to obtain referrals. Within 3 months of taking this leap of faith business was booming. I had obtained a consistent clientele and revenue. The life of an entrepreneur is a scary career, due to all of its unknown factors but I knew this was my purpose; I never loved anything more. Today I’m a well sought celebrity makeup artist and owner of my very own cosmetic line. My motto is, do what you love and love what you do.

-Kash Barb

Kash, 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 Kash “KashBarb” Thompson, I’m best described as a successful celebrity makeup artist. Living out my best talents I manipulate every aspect of social media. Starting as a local model in the dmv area I appeared in many commercial modeling gigs, hair shows, runway shows and music videos. Some music videos include Rapper Fabolous “When I Feel Like It”, Rapper Black Cobain “Quiet Time”, and more. Also from my modeling career I found my love and talent in the makeup artistry. I then began my career as a makeup artist with MAC cosmetics, which opened the doors to working with celebrity clients such as; Angela Rye, Da Brat, Trina, SWV, Monica, Lil Mo, Prince and his all female band 3rd Eye Girl, K Michelle, and many more.

A known entity in the nightlife of the dmv area I was often asked to host numerous parties and events. I have hosted events alongside celebrities such as: Teairra Mari, Fat Trel, Lance Gross, Black Cobain, Miguel, Teyana Taylor, and more. With the great turnouts that would be brought to the events from my celebrity I then began to host frequently and decided to start a promo group to accompany me to the events I was booked for; which then brought about the Kash Dolls. Women from all over the US would send pictures and entries to join my group.

I decided that the nightlife wasn’t my main focus and wanted to focus on my makeup artistry solely. In doing so, I then poured all of my assets and resources into funding my very own cosmetic line. I currently have a very successful lipstick and lash cosmetic line, TheKashBrandComsetics.com

Along with being a highly-skilled celebrity makeup artist, I am known for my ever-changing hair styles and have been featured on Carol’s Daughters and The Cut Life (IG: @thecutlife). I have also successfully served as a brand ambassador for several companies such as; REEBOK, Seagrams, DTLR and more. I have partnered with many heavy-hitter stylists, expanding the audiences of many brands.

I have worked for networks and record labels such as; Def Jam, Roc Nation, WeTv, & Live Nation,etc. I have serviced music artists for video shoots, reality stars during filming and much more.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I’ve always looked at social media as a virtual magazine. I built my social media by engaging with my followers, and making sure it was aesthetically pleasing. Your audience wants to feel as sense of connection to you; if they like you they will shop with you. Just being myself and down to earth resonated with my audience.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Even when I only made $60 the first month of being an entrepreneur I knew this would not last. My competition with myself is my driving force. I have always been a resilient person with extreme ambition, I don’t settle for failure.

Contact Info:

• Website: TheKashBrandCosmetics.com
• Instagram: TheKashBarb
• Facebook: TheKashCosmetics
• Twitter: TheKashBarb
• Youtube: TheKashBarb
• Other: TikTok: TheKashBarb

Image Credits
K Michelle Da Brat