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

Alright, Kathryn thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?

I wanted to step outside of the usual trend I see for artists in my area. Most of them I see are typically just LLC added to the end of their name and I wanted think outside of the box with it. Obviously part of my name is still in the company name but the way it is used is to show my perspective not just to state who is behind it. Kat’s Eye is how I create through my own lens of beauty, skill and client services….it’s unique to me! I also am a crazy cat lady so that played a part in creating my company logo. It all comes together as a play on words for my logo having cat ears and whiskers around the name which is used in place of the cat’s eyes.

Kathryn, 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 journey as an artist started to blossom at an early age being a competition dancer learning all the tips and tricks of stage makeup. Once I went on to high school, I would always do my friends hair and makeup for proms or homecoming. At that time I didn’t think I could make a career of it so I went on to attend Radford University for a bachelors degree in Interior Design with a minor in Dance. I was always trying to create whether it be on paper, on stage, behind a camera or doing makeup and hair for friends. I went through many creative outlets over those four years in college before friends encouraged and convinced me I had the talent to make this a career. Once I graduated in 2015 I started taking friends as clients, friends of friends and family friends, all while working full time as a drafter for residential homes. Finally around four years ago I decided to make it official, got serious about it and had a steady flow of clients! I am still only part time (mostly just weekends) but I am proud that I am able to make it successful while also working for my family business and being a new mom. It is a lot to juggle most days but I enjoy work and keeping busy! I am also lucky to have supportive family and a husband who is a great dad to our son, which helps make it possible for me to pursue my dream.
I provide makeup and hair services for weddings, photoshoots, proms or any special event in someone’s life. A large portion of clients are brides and this is my busiest year yet but I love the excitement of wedding days and not only making them feel their best and doing what I love but seeing them surrounded by so much love, joy and laughter. I also work closely with Megan Bailey Boudoir Photography providing services for her boudoir clients. Seeing their reactions to what you’ve created for them is so rewarding. Many of those women come in nervous about being in front of the camera, so being able to bring them confidence before their shoot is the best feeling. I have found it’s not just about the skill in the service you provide but also the connection you make personally with the client to put them at ease no matter what they are getting glammed for! One of my most exciting opportunities was last year when I was asked to glam the owner of DryBar (Richmond/Midlothian & Virginia Beach) for their feature in The Scout Guide Richmond! Featured in the February 2023 Issue!

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

Word of mouth is a huge source of clientele in this industry. Most of my clients have found me because I also did their sister’s makeup or their friends or they have friends and family who know I provide those services. Another good way is networking at Bridal Expos or working with local photographers! Expos are great ways to meet potential clients face to face instead of behind a screen and working with photographers can help market a variety in your skills to add to your portfolio. My most recent bride found me on Reddit of all places, so you never know who is recommending you or where!

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

Most of my clients contact me through social media or email. I am currently working on setting up a website (finally) so it makes that process easier for them. Once I am in contact with them initially they also receive my personal number so that I am always able to be reached. This helps so much for brides that are wedding planning, since it is one of the most stressful times, I want to help make it as stress free as possible!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: katseyemua
• Facebook: katseyemua

Image Credits

Focus on Joy Photography (ring light photo)
The Scout Guide Richmond (DryBar)