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

Hi Kenia, thanks for joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

My mission as a makeup artist and content creator goes beyond enhancing outer beauty—it’s about empowering individuals to embrace their uniqueness and regain their confidence. This mission holds deep personal meaning for me because it stems from my own journey of resilience and self-discovery.

In 2017, I began my career in Venezuela, where I discovered the transformative power of makeup. But when I had to leave my country due to political reasons, my life took a drastic turn. Starting from scratch in a new country was challenging, but it was also a turning point. After the birth of my second daughter, I realized I needed to reconnect with my passion for beauty—not just for myself, but for others who may have felt like they had to put their dreams on hold.

For me, makeup is not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a space where people can feel empowered and inspired. It’s about showing that beauty is a tool for self-expression and self-love, no matter the obstacles life throws your way. My mission is meaningful because it reflects my belief that everyone deserves to feel beautiful and confident in their own skin, regardless of their circumstances.

Through my content, I aim to inspire others, especially those who feel like they’ve lost a part of themselves in life’s challenges. I want to remind them that it’s never too late to pursue their passions and that beauty is an expression of inner strength. This mission drives everything I do as I continue to share my story and encourage others to embrace their own.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

About Me:

My name is Kenia Baptista, and I am a makeup artist and content creator. I was born in Ciudad Bolívar, Venezuela, and started my journey in the beauty industry in 2017, but my passion for makeup goes much further back. After moving to a new country due to political reasons, I took a break to focus on my family, especially after the birth of my second daughter. However, that pause reignited my love for beauty and self-expression, and I made the decision to turn my passion into a career, not just for myself but also to inspire others.

As a makeup artist, I specialize in creative and natural looks, working with clients to bring out their best features and boost their confidence. I also collaborate with beauty brands to share innovative products, tips, and makeup trends through my social media platforms, especially Instagram (@keniamuaconcept). My goal is to inspire people to embrace their unique beauty while learning about the latest trends and techniques in the beauty world.

I now live in Las Vegas, Nevada, and my family—my husband and daughters—are my greatest support and inspiration.

What Sets Me Apart:

What truly sets me apart is the authenticity and passion I bring to every project. I deeply understand that makeup is more than just a tool for enhancing beauty—it is a form of self-expression and empowerment. Whether I’m working on a client or creating content for my followers, my approach is always personal. I aim to create looks that highlight individuality, and my content is rooted in the belief that makeup can be transformative, not only physically but emotionally.

What I Provide:

I offer a wide range of services, from one-on-one makeup application for special events to makeup tutorials and beauty content for my followers. I also create high-quality content for brands looking to reach a diverse and engaged audience, sharing everything from product reviews to makeup tutorials. I love partnering with brands whose products I believe in because it allows me to connect authentically with my audience.

What I’m Most Proud Of:

I am most proud of the community I’ve built. My followers are not just fans, they’re people who are on their own journeys of self-expression and confidence, and I’m honored to be a part of that. Every time someone tells me that they felt empowered by a look I created or inspired by a piece of content I shared, it reaffirms why I started this journey. I’m proud of how I’ve been able to connect with people not only through makeup but through shared experiences and stories.

What I Want People to Know About My Work:

At the core of my work is the belief that beauty is for everyone. I want my clients, followers, and potential collaborators to know that my mission is to help people feel confident and embrace their uniqueness. Whether it’s through a personalized makeup look, a brand collaboration, or content that I share on social media, my goal is always to inspire and empower others to love and celebrate who they are.

How did you build your audience on social media?

My focus has always been to share my love for makeup and beauty in an authentic way. While I currently have a small audience of around 500 followers, I am proud of each one of them because I know they follow me for my genuine content and because they connect with what I share.

For me, being consistent and authentic is key. Although I don’t have thousands of followers, the ones I do have know that I always strive to be transparent with my recommendations and advice. I don’t try to portray myself as someone I’m not, and I believe that authenticity has helped me connect with people who value the same things I do.

In addition, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with a few brands that I truly love. Although these opportunities have been few, they’ve been very valuable. I make sure to only collaborate with products I’ve tried and believe in, because my priority is being honest with my audience, no matter how small.

Advice for those just starting to build their social media presence:

1. Be authentic: No matter how many followers you have, the most important thing is to be yourself. People connect with authenticity, so don’t try to be someone else.
2. Be consistent: While building an audience may feel slow, consistency is key. Post regularly, but focus on the quality of your content rather than the quantity.
3. Genuine interaction: Make sure to respond to comments and messages. Building a close relationship with your audience, no matter how small, is crucial.
4. Create valuable content: Think about what your audience wants to learn or see, and offer that value. Whether it’s something educational or entertaining, the key is to provide something meaningful.
5. Patience and passion: Don’t get frustrated if growth is slow. If you truly love what you do, keep creating content because you enjoy it, not just for the numbers.
6. Strategic collaborations: Even if you have a small audience, look to collaborate with brands that align with your values. Sometimes opportunities come from the quality of your content, not just the number of followers.

In summary, although my audience is small, each follower is valuable, and what matters most to me is staying true to my passion and message. With time and dedication, I trust I will continue to grow and create a community that appreciates what I offer.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

One of the most significant moments in my career was when I decided to make a radical change after moving to a new country. After arriving due to political reasons, I found myself in a completely different environment from what I knew. My life in Venezuela revolved around my career as a makeup artist, and suddenly, everything changed.

At first, I struggled to adapt and find my place in this new context. It was an emotional and professional challenge, and I realized I needed to reinvent myself. After some time, I understood that I couldn’t let my passion for makeup fade away. Instead of seeing the move as an obstacle, I decided to embrace it as an opportunity.

I started creating beauty content on social media, which allowed me to share my knowledge and love for makeup, even in this new environment. Although my audience is small, I’ve managed to connect with a real and engaged community that appreciates what I share. I use my experience and authenticity to create tutorials and tips, and slowly but surely, I’ve gained followers who value my genuine approach.

This change has not only allowed me to keep my passion for makeup alive but also helped me find a new way to express myself and connect with people. I’ve learned that sometimes, the unexpected turns in life can lead to opportunities you never imagined. Now, I feel more empowered than ever and excited to continue growing in this new direction.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keniamuaconcept?igsh=MWMyMTlwOWpoOGFwYg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr