We were lucky to catch up with Kendall Swenson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Kendall, thanks for joining us today. To kick things off, we’d love to hear about things you or your brand do that diverge from the industry standard.
Like most women, I learned how to put on my makeup when I was a teen by watching friends, reading fashion magazines (now social media) and mostly from just experimenting on my own. But there really wasn’t any organized instruction available to me, I just had to figure it out. And because I loved makeup so much, I eventually created a career out of it and I now work as a professional makeup artist.
But I’m the outlier here- because many women I know never really learned how to do their makeup at all, and now they’re stuck with bags full of cosmetics that they don’t really need or know how to use.
This problem came into focus for me after a speaking event I did. When I had finished my makeup demonstration, I was really surprised by how many women lined up to meet with me afterwards and ask me their personal makeup questions- things that they just weren’t comfortable asking at the store. And I realized how many women just wanted a little direct makeup advice.
So I created Glam Bootcamp, where I offer makeup lessons and online makeup courses so that women can learn how to do their own makeup like a pro. My philosophy is: less makeup, more education. Because once you learn the proper makeup techniques, you can create any look and express yourself with confidence.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’m a professional makeup artist who specializes in helping people look great in front of the camera.
I didn’t intend to become a makeup artist. I got my degree in Film Studies and had a different plan in mind. But I always loved doing makeup and eventually created a career out of it. This allows me to work in media, both in front of and behind the camera.
When I’m not on set, I teach women how to do their makeup through makeup lessons and online makeup courses at Glam Bootcamp. I use my 20+ years of experience as a makeup artist to teach women how to do their makeup easier, faster, and with more confidence.
But my intention with Glam Bootcamp, is not only to teach practical makeup skills to my clients, but to also help women bring out their own unique, individual beauty and personal style. The makeup techniques are just a vehicle for that.
My favorite client moments are those when I’ve done someone’s makeup, and then they look in the mirror and their whole face lights up because they feel beautiful. And being able to help a woman feel joyful and confident is priceless.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
There are three books that have been instrumental in helping me with my entrepreneurial path.
The first is “Reach Out” by Molly Beck. As an introvert it can be difficult for me to blindly initiate contact with others but this book helps make it less intimidating, has helped me make reaching out an organic habit.
I also love “The Fire Starter Sessions” by Danielle La Porte for inspiration- because we all have something unique to give others, and of course “You are a Badass” by Jen Sincero for a good kick in the pants motivation.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
As a multi-passionate creative, I’ve learned to accept that my life and career journey isn’t linear. I’ve had to make different career pivots and reinventions, and stay flexible. I think this can be hard to understand by those who have chosen a traditional career path. It looks a lot like bouncing around in different directions. But, I believe that by listening to my creative impulses and following where they take me, I’m doing my best with the abilities that I’ve been given. There’s really no other way for me live my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.GlamBootcamp.com
- Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/GlamBootcampClass
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GlamBootcampClass
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendallswenson/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@GlamBootcamp
- Other: www.BelleMademoiselle.com
https://www.instagram.com/kendallswenson_mua/
