We were lucky to catch up with Kennedy Marinelli recently and have shared our conversation below.
Kennedy, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with the decision of whether to donate a percentage of sales to an organization or cause – we’d love to hear the backstory of how you thought through this.
From the very beginning I’ve been building a business with a purpose. My dream of becoming an esthetician wasn’t just about creating a successful business; it was about giving back. I believe in beauty that goes beyond the surface. Founded with a purpose, Kulture By Kennedy doesn’t just empower clients to look and feel their best-it empowers my community. That’s why 10% of every service at Kulture By Kennedy goes directly to Kulture for Kids, a nonprofit organization dedicated to spreading joy one birthday at a time. It was through offering kid’s face painting that I discovered my love for brining joy to children. Kulture for Kids was born out of my desire to give children in the Oklahoma community an unforgettable birthday celebration. Every child deserves a moment to feel special, loved and celebrated. With $144 in donations so far, we’re inching closer to achieving our first testimonial-our first opportunity to give a child the birthday they’ll never forget. Culture is at the core. As the name suggests, “Kulture” is a big part of what I do. It’s not just about makeup or birthdays; it’s about creating connections and celebrating the beauty of diversity. To further this mission, I’ve also started a culinary project called Meals from the Mediterranean. I create delicious Mediterranean dishes made from scratch in my home kitchen, inspired by my Italian heritage. Featured cuisine such as Homemade semolina pasta, fresh pita bread and tzatziki sauce, wellness shots & more. Fifty percent of the proceeds from Meals from the Mediterranean go directly to Kulture for Kids, allowing me to expand the impact while sharing the vibrant flavors of Mediterranean cuisine and my culture. Every makeup application, every Mediterranean dish, and every donation is a step toward building a stronger, more compassionate community. I am grateful to my clients and supporters who are helping bring this vision to life-together, were making beauty more meaningful and spreading joy to the children who need it most. Whether you’re booking a makeup service or enjoying a meal, you’re doing more than just supporting a local business- you’re helping create a brighter future for children in Oklahoma. And for that, I thank you. Lets keep building a culture of kindness here with Kulture by Kennedy.
Kennedy, 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?
Hi, I’m Kennedy, a 22 year old girl from Tulsa, Oklahoma who has created a dynamic lifestyle as an entrepreneur, leaving my mark on the beauty industry and my community. As a licensed esthetician, mobile makeup artist, and founder of two thriving ventures, I have built a brand that blends creativity, compassion, and diversity.
Kulture by Kennedy, is a reflection of my lifelong passion for beauty and self-expression. Specializing in makeup artistry I offer services that cater to a wide range of needs, from soft glam to full glam looks, bridal and pageant makeup, airbrush techniques, and even SFX makeup for creative projects. I am dedicated to enhancing my clients’ natural beauty while delivering flawless, customized results that leave a lasting impression.
My journey into the beauty industry began with my innate creativity and passion for helping others feel confident and beautiful. I’ve always been drawn to the transformative power of makeup and its ability to boost someone’s confidence. This passion, combined with my commitment to excellence, has earned Kulture by Kennedy a reputation for delivering stunning results that make my clients feel celebrated and empowered.
As the founder of Kulture for Kids, a non-profit organization, I am making a significant impact on the lives of children in my hometown. Through this initiative, I can provide children who may not otherwise have the means to celebrate a birthday party and have memories for a lifetime. I wanted to create something that brings joy and lasting memories to kids who might not have access to celebrations like these.
Embracing diversity and culture is a core value that is woven into everything I do. I pride myself on what sets me apart in the beauty industry: my commitment to making a difference. While I excel at creating picture-perfect looks, it’s in my heart for my community and my mission to celebrate diversity that make my brand truly unique. I firmly believe that beauty is about more than appearances—it’s about creating connections, uplifting others, and embracing individuality.
I reflect on the impact i’ve made on my clients and my community. I’m proud of building a brand that not only focuses on beauty but also gives back. It’s important to me that I use my platform to make a difference, whether that’s through helping someone feel beautiful on their special day or giving a child a reason to smile on theirs.
For anyone considering booking my services or supporting my non-profit, I want you to know that my work is rooted in passion, creativity, and a genuine love for helping others. Kulture by Kennedy, is more than just a business—it’s a movement that celebrates beauty, culture, and giving back,
To follow my journey or learn more about my services, you can connect with me through my business platforms and non-profit initiatives.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
This past year, 2024, was one of the most challenging and transformative years of my life. As much as I love what I do—being a licensed esthetician, mobile makeup artist, entrepreneur, and founder of a non-profit—there’s so much that happens behind the scenes that people don’t always see. It’s not just the pretty makeup looks, the big smiles at events, or the highlights on social media. There’s a grind behind it all, and this year tested me in ways I didn’t expect.
I moved into a new place last year. It was a huge milestone for me, but also a big adjustment. My business, Kulture by Kennedy, and my non-profit, Kulture for Kids, have always been my focus, but balancing those with this new chapter in my life wasn’t easy. On top of that, I made the decision to switch jobs. It wasn’t an easy choice, but I knew it was necessary. I needed to make sure I was creating stability in my life while still chasing my dreams. Starting fresh in a new position was nerve-wracking, but I leaned into the uncertainty because I’ve learned that growth doesn’t happen in comfort zones.
Through all of this, I realized something else—when you’re constantly grinding and chasing your goals, not everyone is going to understand that. The late nights, the early mornings, and the countless hours I put into my work sometimes left little time for a social life. It was heartbreaking to watch some relationships fade, but I’ve come to accept that not everyone is meant to come with you on every part of your journey.
What people don’t see is the moments when I’m absolutely exhausted but still pushing through. They don’t see the times I’m questioning if I’m doing enough or if I’m on the right path. There were nights I stayed up planning, working, and stressing about how to make everything work. But even in those moments, I reminded myself why I started. I started Kulture by Kennedy because I’ve always loved helping people feel confident and beautiful. I started Kulture for Kids because I wanted to give children in my community the chance to feel celebrated, even if their circumstances didn’t make that easy.
What kept me going was my passion and the bigger picture. I had to remind myself that the sacrifices I was making—whether it was time, energy, or relationships—were all for something greater. And even though it’s hard, I wouldn’t trade it for anything because the growth and fulfillment I’ve experienced this year have been worth it.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from this past year, it’s that resilience is about showing up even when it’s hard. It’s about trusting that the work you’re putting in, even when no one sees it, will pay off. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and I’m excited for what’s ahead. 2024 may have tested me, but it also reminded me of my strength and my purpose. The grind never stops, but neither does my passion for what I do.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
When it comes to gaining new clients, the best source for me has always been word-of-mouth. There’s nothing more rewarding than hearing, “A friend of mine told me I had to book you,” or “I saw your work on someone else, and I knew I wanted to work with you.” It’s a reminder that the effort I put into my craft doesn’t go unnoticed.
I believe it’s because I truly care about every client I work with. Whether it’s a bride on her wedding day or someone who just wants to feel their best for a special occasion, I make it a point to go above and beyond. It’s not just about the makeup—it’s about the experience. When a client feels valued and leaves my chair feeling confident and beautiful, they’re excited to share that experience with others.
Another major factor is how much I emphasize giving back. When people hear about my non-profit, Kulture for Kids, it often sparks a connection. My work in the community reflects the values I carry in my business—compassion, inclusivity, and making others feel special. Clients often tell me that knowing I prioritize giving back makes them want to support me even more. It’s a beautiful thing when people want to be part of a brand that’s about more than just the service—it’s about the impact.
Word-of-mouth and the conversations sparked by what I do have been a game-changer for my business. It’s a testament to the fact that when you pour your heart into your work and your community, people notice—and they tell others. That’s been the foundation of my growth, and I’m incredibly grateful for it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://beacons.ai/kulturebykennedy
- Instagram: Kulturebykennedy
- Facebook: Kulture by Kennedy
- Other: TikTok Kulturebykennedy
Image Credits
Emily Townsend