We recently connected with Katia Myers and have shared our conversation below.
Katia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.
One of the biggest risks I’ve taken in my career was deciding to invest in myself by pursuing freelance makeup artistry while still holding down a full-time job. At the time, I had been working at the MAC counter for a year, where I gained invaluable experience working with a wide range of clients, learning about different skin types, tones, and products. But deep down, I knew I wanted to take control of my own path and create something that was entirely mine.
The decision to start freelancing alongside my full-time job wasn’t easy. It meant juggling two demanding roles, building a client base from scratch, and working long hours with no guarantee of success. It was a leap of faith, but I believed in my passion and my skills. I knew that if I wanted to truly excel, I had to bet on myself.
One of the first steps I took was to invest in my education and skill development. Although I was self-taught, I knew that to compete and stand out, I needed to continue learning. In 2020, I took my first professional makeup class with Olivia Song, and in 2023, I attended another with Tia Codrington. These classes weren’t just about improving my makeup techniques; they were also about understanding the business side of the industry, learning the systems and tools other professionals were using, and enhancing my ability to provide top-notch service to my clients.
The risk of taking on freelance work while managing a full-time job was significant. There were moments of doubt, especially when I felt stretched thin between both commitments, and I questioned whether I had taken on too much. But I stayed focused on delivering exceptional service, truly listening to my clients, and building strong relationships with them. Word of mouth began to spread, and clients started referring me to others. Some even followed me from my time at MAC, which was incredibly validating.
The risk paid off. Not only did my freelance business grow, but I also found myself being flown out for destination weddings, and clients even traveled from out of town just to work with me. Taking this risk allowed me to build something that reflects my passion, my values, and my commitment to making people feel beautiful and confident.
Looking back, taking that leap was one of the best decisions I ever made. It taught me the importance of believing in myself, investing in my growth, and not being afraid to take risks when it comes to pursuing your dreams.
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’m Katia Myers, a self-taught makeup artist with a deep passion for beauty that dates back to high school. My journey into the beauty industry began in 2012, and after a year of working at the MAC counter, where I honed my skills and learned about diverse skin types and products, I decided to embark on my own path as a freelance makeup artist.
In my freelance career, I offer a range of services including personalized makeup applications for various occasions such as weddings, special events, and everyday beauty needs. I pride myself on providing exceptional service, tailoring each experience to the individual needs of my clients. My goal is to help every client feel confident and beautiful, whether they’re preparing for their wedding day or just looking for a fresh look.
What sets me apart from others is my commitment to understanding and addressing each client’s unique needs. I provide personalized advice on products and techniques and offer one-on-one makeup classes to help everyday women learn how to create their own simple, beautiful looks. I also offer makeup shopping assistance, understanding that choosing the right products can be overwhelming. My approach ensures that clients receive not only a beautiful look but also the knowledge to maintain and enhance their beauty routine.
I’m particularly proud of the relationships I’ve built with my clients, many of whom have become loyal advocates, referring me to their friends and family. What’s more, I’ve been fortunate enough to have clients who travel from out of town just to receive my services, which is a testament to the quality and trust I’ve built over the years. I’m also honored to have been chosen for destination weddings around the globe, and I take pride in being part of such significant moments in my clients’ lives.
My focus on exceptional customer service, continuous learning, and dedication to my craft have been key to my success. Whether it’s through providing a standout bridal look or helping someone find their perfect everyday makeup routine, I strive to deliver results that exceed expectations.
My next goal is to open a brick-and-mortar location, where I can offer an even wider range of services in a personalized and inviting setting. Additionally, I plan to develop a line of staple beauty products that reflect my commitment to quality and expertise. I also aim to continue doing what I love, adding more travel and new services to my offerings.
Overall, I want potential clients and followers to know that my work is driven by a passion for making people feel their best. My approach combines technical expertise with a deep understanding of individual needs, ensuring a personalized and exceptional experience every time.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
Building my reputation within the market has been a combination of several key factors. First and foremost, my commitment to delivering excellent customer service has been crucial. I pride myself on truly listening to my clients, understanding their needs, and making them feel valued and understood. Whether it’s advising them on the best products for their skin type or offering tips and tricks during our sessions, I ensure that each client leaves feeling confident and well taken care of.
My time at MAC Cosmetics played a significant role in building my expertise. There, I gained invaluable experience working with a diverse range of skin textures, tones, and types. This allowed me to become a product expert, knowing exactly which MAC products to use for different client needs. This deep understanding of products, combined with the skills I honed as a self-taught makeup artist, has helped me consistently deliver results that exceed my clients’ expectations.
Additionally, the word-of-mouth referrals have been a huge boost for my business. When you consistently provide great service and results, people talk about it, and that has helped my reputation grow rapidly within the market. I’m also fortunate to have been chosen by brides to work on destination weddings around the globe, fraternities, and major organizations which has expanded my reach and further solidified my standing in the industry.
Finally, my dedication to continuous learning, such as attending makeup classes with industry experts like Olivia Song and Tia Codrington, has allowed me to stay current with trends and techniques, ensuring that I always offer the best to my clients. These experiences have all contributed to building a strong reputation in the market.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
One story that truly illustrates my resilience comes from the early days of my journey as a self-taught makeup artist. After working at the MAC counter for a year, I decided to take a leap of faith and start freelancing. It was an exciting decision, but it came with its own set of challenges.
One of the first major obstacles I faced was building a client base from scratch. Every job felt like a make-or-break opportunity, and there were times when bookings were slow, making me question whether I had made the right choice. But my passion for makeup and belief in my ability to succeed kept me going.
I focused on delivering exceptional service to every client, no matter how small the job. I listened carefully to their needs, offered personalized advice, and ensured they left feeling more confident and beautiful. Slowly but surely, word began to spread. I still remember the turning point when I started getting calls from clients who had been referred by someone I had worked with—it was a validation of my hard work.
As my business grew, I recognized the need to stay current with trends and techniques, especially as a self-taught artist. In 2020, I invested in my education by attending my first makeup class with Olivia Song. In 2023, I took another class with Tia Codrington. These classes were about more than just refining my makeup skills; they were also about understanding the business side of the industry, learning the systems and tools other professionals were using, and continuously improving my craft.
Through it all, I’ve remained committed to my vision, learning to adapt, grow, and persevere, even in challenging times. Today, I’m proud to say that my business has not only survived but thrived. Clients trust me for their most important moments, including destination weddings around the globe. My journey has been a testament to the power of resilience, hard work, and unwavering belief in oneself.
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