Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kimberly. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kimberly, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s jump right into the heart of things. Outsiders often think businesses or industries have much larger profit margins than they actually do – the reason is that outsiders are often unaware of the biggest challenges to profitability in various industries – what’s the biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?

One of the biggest challenges to profitability in the bridal beauty industry is how seasonal it is, especially in a destination wedding city like Charleston. Spring and fall are packed, but slower months can really impact income. On top of that, we invest heavily in products, education, travel, and everything needed to offer a luxury experience.

Lately, I’ve had multiple brides inquiring for the same peak dates, and since I can only take one, it made me realize the need to grow. That’s what inspired me to create a company that could grow beyond just me. I recently launched Glam Artistry Collective (you can find us on IG at @glam_artistry_collective) so we can serve more brides even when I’m fully booked. It not only helps ensure a steady flow of income, but also creates more opportunities for other professionals in the industry.

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

Hi! My name is Kimberly and I’m a professional makeup artist based in beautiful Charleston, South Carolina. What most people don’t know is that I actually have a degree in International Law and Diplomacy from Nigeria and I earned my master’s in International Relations in the UK. yes, makeup wasn’t my original career path. But I’ve always believed that life has a funny way of leading you to your purpose.

Even while I was in school, I was obsessed with beauty, not just doing makeup on myself, but creating looks for other women. I love making people feel beautiful, confident, and seen. That joy I see on a woman’s face when she looks in the mirror after a session? That’s the part I fell in love with, and it’s what led me to build a business around it.

Today, I specialize in bridal and event makeup, and I travel for work both within and outside of Charleston. From soft glam to full glam, every look I create is customized to reflect my client’s personal style and enhance their natural beauty. I also offer trials, touch-up kits, and full-day wedding services to make the experience as stress-free and luxe as possible.

What sets me apart is the experience I create. It’s not just about the glam, it’s about how you feel. I take the time to understand my clients, their vision, and what will make them feel like their best selves on one of the most important days of their lives.

Recently, I launched my own team, (Glam Artistry Collective) to meet the growing demand and give other talented artists in the industry more opportunities. I’m also grateful to be mentored by a successful bridal beauty business owner who’s helping guide me as I scale everything from leadership to business strategy. Having that kind of support while building something of my own has been a game-changer.

I’m most proud of the community I’ve built and the trust my clients place in me. My brand is built on love and passion because I’m genuinely passionate about what I do, and I pour my heart into every face I touch.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

One of the most defining parts of my journey and a true test of my resilience was the season when I was just starting out as a makeup artist in a completely new country, with nothing but passion and a vision.

When I moved from the UK, I also considered switching to tech. It wasn’t because I was passionate about it, but because I thought it might offer a quicker, more secure way to make a good living. However, I quickly realized that my heart was in beauty. I had always loved makeup, not just on myself but on others. So, I took the leap and pursued what I was truly passionate about.

I wasn’t mobile at the time and lived over an hour and a half from Charleston, but I took every job I could. Sometimes I’d make little to no profit after covering transportation, whether it was Uber or paying someone to take me. But I stayed consistent because I was looking at the bigger picture. I didn’t do it for the money at first, I did it for the experience, to network, and to learn how the bridal industry worked, because I had no clue. I just knew I was passionate about makeup.

There were many days it felt impossible, and I questioned whether I could actually make a living from this, but my sister was always my biggest supporter. When I felt like giving up, she reminded me why I started. Honestly, I can’t tell my success story without mentioning her, she believed in me even when things felt unrealistic.

Looking back, all those sacrifices built the foundation of the business I’m running today and I’m so proud of how far it’s come.

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

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been a combination of word-of-mouth referrals, a strong social media presence, and intentional networking within the wedding industry. I focus on delivering consistent, high-quality work and creating a great experience for my clients, those relationships often turn into referrals. Instagram has also been a major tool for me; it allows me to showcase my artistry, connect with potential brides, and stay visible in a competitive market.

Although I’m naturally an introvert, I’ve come to understand that building genuine connections is essential in this industry. I’ve been learning to step out of my comfort zone, even if just a little, because I know relationships are key to growth. I’m still staying true to who I am, I’ll never be the loudest in the room but I’ve found my own way to show up and connect, and that’s made all the difference.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Makeup_kvs_ (personal makeup page) and Glam_artistry_collective (team page)