We recently connected with Kayla Jones and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Kayla thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?

I believe like anything, happiness comes in form of perspective and staying true to yourself. I feel like I am living my truth every day by following my dreams of running my own makeup business which is resulting in happiness. I wake up each morning feeling extremely blessed and happy that I get to work towards my dreams every day. I have worked “regular jobs” and I will say making my own schedule and being able to have creative direction over my brand brings me great joy. Now that is not to say it doesn’t come with challenges. Being a business owner requires great discipline and organization. Some times I do have thoughts of working a “regular job” again during slow seasons because it can be appear to be more “stable” and “consistent”, but I would not change what I do for the world no matter what challenges arise. If anything it pushes me outside of my comfort zone to brainstorm new ideas and business plan of action. I feel happiness when others tell me I inspired them or that they admire my art. I feel happiness in the fact I can be a role model for my little sisters and other young ladies who have similar dreams and ambitions. I feel happiness when I am apart of my clients “big life moments” and they can in return see mine. The bond I’ve created with my clients is indescribable and I am so thankful for the happiness they bring. most of all I feel happy that every day I commit to becoming the best version of myself for my brand. Being a business owner has allowed me to really dig deep and grow as a person so I can provide the best services and customer service. In conclusion, life is short and whatever path you do decide to take, take it with positive perspective and remain true to what’s in your heart and you will find happiness in that.

Kayla , 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 have always been drawn to all things beauty since a young girl. I remember one Christmas I went down stairs and my mom had surprised me with a pink vanity with fake makeup of course, needless to say I didn’t care to open another present or get up from that vanity until it was time for bed. My nana has a background in selling makeup and skincare, I have memories of us mixing lipstick colors and creating our own custom shades. We just had fun being creative! In High-school I would practice makeup with my best friend after school, she was and always will be my favorite makeup model. After high-school I decided to go and get my esthetics license, and apply to MAC cosmetic at 18 years old. I worked at the counter for 5 years and learned so much about makeup artistry, sales, product knowledge, and customer service skills, I even became a counter manager, but I couldn’t help but feel like there was a greater purpose I had in the beauty field. After not being able to apply makeup during the pandemic, the world opened back up and I decided I wanted to work at a salon taking my own clients, I did this for about a year and decided to open my own salon, although that “failed” I knew there was something better for me I just had to keep going. I remember feeling lost, questioning if I wanted to continue on this at times challenging journey. This is when I leaned on family and friends for support and realize this is all apart of the journey and it’s time to snap out of the funk. I had to realize I have made it this far why stop now. Good thing I did because I currently have my own makeup studio inside an amazing production studio called expozedtv studios where I’ve gotten so many amazing opportunities to do makeup on set of celebrity music videos, photoshoots, and travel all over with the teams talents. I since have 5-6 magazine publications and have even found a love for photography. I am most proud that I never gave up no matter how much I felt I had failed or how hard it got. I think something that has set me apart in this industry is I do not compare myself to others or get jealous, only inspired. I also remain open minded to collaborative work that aligns with me. I have gotten to meet and work with such amazing talented souls. All in all, your brand and your talents begin to pay off when you become confident in yourself and your talents. Never stay complacent, if you “fail” try again, and always reach for the stars.

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

We now live in a world where social media marketing plays such a huge role in businesses. I have built my audience on social media by being authentic, knowledgeable, and by showing my goofy personality. This is the advice I would give to anyone who wants to put themself out there on social media. If you are going to follow a trend, make it your own. Don’t be afraid to show pieces of who you are as a person, do your research when speaking on any and everything, and always remain honest with your audience. I can struggle at times overthinking little things like the way my voice sounds or the way I look on camera, but I don’t let those insecurities stop me from posting the raw moments along with the glamorous ones.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

building my clientele for me is about being able to cater to all ages, races, and identities. I think it’s most important for a makeup artist to be able to work on any and everyone. A strategy I’ve found effective is finding which style of makeup you enjoy to do and focusing on that. Within the last year I have really found a passion for editorial makeup. Once I figured this out I was able to collaborate with likeminded model agencies, photographers, stylists, and creative directors to build with. Even if you aren’t getting that type of clientele in the beginning, a great strategy is to build your portfolio to attract the kind of jobs you want.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kaylamua.co/
• Instagram: @muakaylaj
• Facebook: Kayla Jones MUA

Image Credits
Mathew Thomas, Expozedtv studios, Adam Peterson, Lory sun, J.R Alexander, JNR photography, Photobook magazine. Flanelle magazine, Selin magazine, Vigour Magazine, Kayla J Media, MUA Kayla J, Lucy Krinsky, Shyanne Schneider, Kayla Yang, Erica Hudson. Jason Kelly, Kat Marie, Emily Gibney, Hailie Young. BAZ management.