Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kelsey Hilton. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Kelsey, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start big picture – what are some of biggest trends you are seeing in your industry?
The biggest trend in this industry is SOCIAL MEDIA! The consistency of your posts, reels, before/afters are so important. The lighting the posing of your client it all adds up to broadcast the finished look. Reels is the biggest trend right now. Not only are you on a time schedule to finish your clients you’re also trying to photograph/videograph your work before, during, and after so you can get those views or likes on the media. The media is what helps grow your business in todays world.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Hi my name is Kelsey Hilton and I am 28 years old. I am a Freelance Makeup Artist that is local to the Sandusky, Ohio area. I offer full coverage makeup applications. Traveling to Bridal Vendors and Special Events. Makeup has always been a passion of mine and three years ago I decided to pursue a dream of professional makeup. In the beginning I had the privilege to work along side other local MUA. Adventuring off on my own was scary at first. You have to build your products, advertise your work consistently, and stay up to date with the latest trends. As I grew so did my work. This past summer I started strategizing with some of my friends on ideas I had to help make my business reach the next level. I wanted a new business name, something more original and trendy and I wanted a website to go with it. I was married into an Italian family and that’s when I came up with, Bella by Hilton. Bella symbolizing beauty in Italian. I launched my new business name and website together. From there it’s taken off. Being consistent with your social media posts is so important in this industry. People want to see your work. We live in a world now where feeling beautiful is important and people will pay the cost. I take my work very seriously. I want the feedback from my clients. My biggest thing I tell them is if you don’t like something tell me so we can fix it. I want you to feel beautiful and confident. Some people want more natural and others want more of a dramatic look. I love both and I want my clients to feel comfortable. Timing can be everything with an application. With trying to get before photos, video footage during, and then photos/videos of the final look. Makeup is so much more than some blush and lipstick. The steps of prepping your skin before, covering dark/red spots, moisturizing your lips, applying lashes etc; It all takes time and when you’re on a timely schedule it can get tough. With that being said the main thing I want potential brides and clients to know is, trust me. Trust the process, trust the timeline I give per client during that time. You might think because we’re starting at 7AM it’s to early but your makeup will last with the products I use. I will do touch ups after all is completed. I don’t want to cut corners for anyone. I want to give every client the full service they’re paying for. I am adventuring out in areas I’ve never been. Some vendors an hour away others four hours away and to me that’s rewarding knowing my work and business is being talked about. My goal is to continue to grow daily. My products, my techniques, my media pages, and my work! I learn something new everyday with this industry. I watch YouTube trends regularly because I want to learn more. In the beginning I was scared I would get no where but seeing where I am now let’s me give the advice to anyone thinking about taking that jump to do it! This is only the beginning and there is enough to go around!
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
I built my audience by first starting with my family and friends. The continuous shares helped me gain followers. Wheather it was distant cousins or their co-workers. From there, I began following my local photographers and other small businesses. Small business support small businesses and I loved that. When I noticed the importance and impact social media had on people’s businesses, I wanted to share their feedback and pages too. That was the biggest turning point for me. You gain friendships along the way. This industry all starts with who you know. You might book a service with me but a share from my page does more than anyone could ever imagine.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Like I have said previously keeping up with the latest trends can be tricky. It can really give you the ability to test your skills. During the booking process I always ask my bride or client if they have any inspirational photos. The future bride I was communicating with had sent me some photos. I like to show confidence but to be honest I was nervous about this look. It was more natural but she was very particular about certain aspects I had never attempted before. I tried to steer the bride away but she was adamant on a trial with me so I did it. That trial was the longest trial I have ever done but it was the best trial I’ve had thus far. She communicated with me. We tried different techniques, different colors until we found the exact look she wanted the day of her wedding. That day I realized it was good to challenge myself. It was a stepping point of growth in my career. When she left I couldn’t believe I ever doubted myself but hey I am human, right? Sometimes we can be nervous for a challenge on a clean slate. That wedding day ended up being the best look I have ever done and I gained a friend.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bellabyhilton.com/
- Instagram: @bellabyhilton
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bellabyhilton
Image Credits
Wright Choice Photographer