We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kasio DeGraffinried . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kasio below.
Kasio , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
I have always been into makeup. From watching my mom apply to seeing some of idols on tv. Trying to imitate their looks always brought me joy. In High School is where I began to test the waters with eyeshadow, eyeliner and mascara. It wasn’t until one day my teacher literally stopped in the middle of lesson to tell me that she really loved my makeup, did I realize I was on the right track and might be going somewhere. Years have gone by and I still practiced makeup up, but only on myself and expanded to foundation, blush, lipstick etc. I would go to YouTube university for some things and learn on my own with others. Once I was diagnosed with cancer in 2014 my life took a left turn. I could no longer see a future for myself because once you hear “you have cancer,” you automatically skip to death. However, I kept a positive spirit throughout my treatment. The closer I got to improving and going into remission I vowed to live for myself and not other and do something that makes me happy which is doing makeup. While in remission I began booking numerous appointments for $25 with travel and eventually I applied to MAC. From MAC I went into business for myself.
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?
I am 29, a college grad with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Communications. I am currently continuing my education to be a licensed cosmetologist. I am a girl mom of one 6 and 1 year old and I am a homeowner with my partner of 10 years.
I officially founded my business Katch Studios in 2020. I provide mostly Bridal and Event makeup services for all skin tones and all ages. I have also been featured twice in two different publications one you may know of as MunaLuchi Bride.
I also sell handmade lipglosses, mink lashes custom shirts made to order..
When it comes to my brand you should think upscale, Quality, along with Superior Communication and Customer service.
Although I am not perfect I’m am constantly perfecting my craft and far beyond where I started. I hope the next time see my name again it will be on a store front.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
All though out my business journey I have be compared. I have even compared my self, compared my prices, my location, my work so much so I almost discouraged myself from continuing. Luckily I have a great support system that have helped me realize my worth and to never give up no matter what other artist is out there and no matter what obstacles I may; keep going. There are customers for everyone, no artist is the same and the people that book with have something that they love about my work or me as a person, that they keep coming back. To stop comparing myself as what is meant for me will be for me and things will happen on my time and not someone else’s.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
The best source for clientele for me especially since most clients are soon to be brides are through word of mouth. Doing bridal makeup is very elite. You are not just handling the bride, but some of her close friends, their mother and other important family members. They usually want someone who can be trusted, professional and a great communicator. Word of mouth in this aspect has done the best marketing for me.
Contact Info:
- Website: Katchtbstudios.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/katchstudios?igshid=MDM4ZDc5MmU=
Image Credits
Model Nioby Scarbrough and Isaiah photographed by Kenneth Clapp @isaiah_themodel @nioby_ @clappstudios