We recently connected with Kimberly Dawn and have shared our conversation below.

Kimberly, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about the best boss, mentor, or leader you’ve ever worked with.

Before transitioning into entrepreneurship, I built my professional foundation in luxury beauty retail, where I served as a Business Manager for a leading cosmetic brand. My experience in beauty retail played a major role in developing my technical skills, product knowledge, and understanding of the beauty industry. It provided the foundation for the career and business I have today.

One of the most impactful parts of that experience was working with a department manager who became an incredible mentor. From the moment I joined the company, he welcomed me with open arms and took me under his wing. He helped shape my perspective on the business of beauty and taught me lessons that I still carry with me today.

More than teaching me how to sell products, he emphasized the importance of building genuine relationships with clients. He showed me that success in the beauty industry is not just about transactions or financial gain, but about creating meaningful and personalized experiences for the people you serve. He encouraged me to pay attention to the small details that make clients feel seen, valued, and appreciated.

That philosophy became a defining part of how I approach my own business. For example, I have a longtime client who prefers listening to jazz during every makeup appointment. While it may seem like a small detail, remembering her preference and creating that familiar atmosphere helps her feel comfortable and cared for. It’s one of the reasons she continues to trust me with her beauty needs. Experiences like that have taught me that the little things often make the biggest impact.

My manager consistently pushed me outside of my comfort zone and challenged me to go the extra mile in serving clients. He taught me that intentionality, consistency, and genuine care are what build lasting relationships and earn trust over time. Through his mentorship, I gained valuable business knowledge and learned the importance of showing up for clients with excellence and authenticity.

The lessons I learned from working with him continue to influence how I serve my clients today. His guidance helped me understand that beauty is about more than products or services—it’s about creating an experience that makes people feel confident, valued, and understood.

Kimberly, 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?

I’m a professional makeup artist with over 15 years of experience serving clients throughout the Metro Atlanta and Birmingham areas. I specialize in corporate marketing, personal brand imaging, special events, and production, helping individuals and organizations present themselves with confidence and authenticity.

My journey in the beauty industry began in 2010 as a wardrobe stylist for fashion shows before transitioning into makeup artistry—a passion I’ve had since childhood. Today, I also serve as the Beauty Director of Poze Bazaar, where I continue to blend creativity, strategy, and visual storytelling.

One of the qualities that sets me apart is my background in styling. Because I understand the importance of complete image development, I’m able to look beyond makeup and consider how every detail works together to create a cohesive visual presentation. Over the years, clients have come to value not only my artistry but also my insight into wardrobe choices, personal style, and overall image direction. This perspective allows me to create looks that complement both the occasion and the individual.

Beyond my professional work, I’m passionate about empowering women and serving my community. In 2025, I launched Kim’s Beauté Diary , a newsletter that began as a way to share beauty tips and advice with clients. It has since evolved into a platform where I discuss topics such as purpose, confidence, relationships, faith, and personal growth, with the goal of fostering meaningful connection and community among women.

My commitment to service is also reflected in The Beauté ADVOC, a community partnership initiative I started in 2013. Through collaborations with local nonprofit organizations, the program provides resources, mentorship, and makeup education to young girls and women. Most recently, I partnered with fellow artists to donate our services to teenage girls during prom season, creating memorable experiences that helped build confidence and self-esteem.

I’m grateful that my passion for artistry continues to create opportunities to inspire, encourage, and serve others in ways I never imagined. Whether through beauty, mentorship, or community outreach, my mission remains the same: helping people recognize and embrace the beauty, confidence, and purpose that already exists within them.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Seeing the impact I’ve made and the mark I’ve left on the clients I’ve worked with has always been the most rewarding part for me. Giving them the opportunity to see themselves from a different vantage point and witnessing the joy that it evokes is truly special.

There are so many nuances to makeup artistry, which is why it has never felt mundane to me. Each experience is unique, and being able to help someone see their beauty in a new light continues to be one of the most fulfilling aspects of my work.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

For me, understanding art is understanding that it exists everywhere. It stretches across a vast range of professions—from finance and communications to technology and beyond. Creativity isn’t confined to traditional artistic spaces; it plays a vital role in innovation, problem-solving, and the success of any business.

When people think of artists, they often think of faces in the spotlight. What is sometimes overlooked are the countless creatives working behind the scenes whose contributions are just as impactful. Without photographers, there are no images to tell stories. Without designers, there are no beautiful garments, products, or experiences. Without graphic designers, there are no visual identities or branding. Without makeup artists, there is no one dedicated to enhancing the beauty of others, and helping people see themselves from a new perspective. Every creative perspective contributes something essential.

As creatives, we all play a role in capturing, curating, and communicating a visual narrative. We have the ability to see possibilities and tell stories in ways that others may not immediately recognize. That’s why I believe creativity is one of the most powerful forces across every industry, and one that deserves to be valued just as much as any other skill set.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.beautekimistry.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beautekimistry/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeauteKimistry
• Other: https://www.pozebazaar.org

Image Credits

Brian Pride Photography
M. Carson Photography
Danny Austin Photography
PWG Lens
AMT Films
Jennifer Woodbery Photography