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

Kristen Kay , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

As a child, I was a latchkey kid and often entertained myself by flipping through magazines and watching movies, replicating the hair and makeup looks I admired. That early fascination sparked my love for beauty, and I knew from a young age that I was drawn to anything involving hair and makeup.

After high school, I decided to pursue my passion and enrolled at the Aveda Institute. This experience set the foundation for my career, and I spent the next eight years working with Aveda, eventually advancing into education. I loved teaching others about beauty, but my true passion was connecting with people and making them feel beautiful, especially brides on their special day.

In 2013, my business partner, Erin, and I worked a wedding together. We had so much fun that we decided to turn it into a business. Starting out was both exciting and nerve-wracking. I worried about the uncertainties—where my paycheck would come from, how to build a clientele, and how to navigate the challenges of running a business. With determination, we created business cards, networked with venues and wedding planners across South Texas, and introduced ourselves in person, long before Instagram became a major marketing tool.

Now, I look back on those early days with gratitude. A defining moment for me is seeing our hard work pay off—today, our team is consistently booked every weekend with three to four weddings on Saturdays and events from Friday through Sunday. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m so proud of what we’ve built.

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

Kristen Kay Shea is an accomplished event hair and makeup artist and the founder of Prim & Powder, a premier beauty service in Texas. Since launching in 2013, Kristen has transformed her business from a two-person partnership into a thriving team of seven freelance artists, recognized as one of the top hair and makeup companies in the state.

Known for her ability to enhance natural beauty, Kristen specializes in creating polished looks that never feel overdone. With a portfolio that includes high-profile events, celebrity clients, and television campaigns, she has earned acclaim for her expertise and artistry. Her work has been featured on leading wedding platforms such as Wedding Wire and The Knot, where she is a preferred vendor, as well as in numerous blogs and magazines.

Passionate about empowering her clients through beauty, Kristen continues to set the standard for excellence in the industry.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a makeup and hair artist is using your practiced eye to subtly enhance each client’s natural beauty. There’s a special thrill in guiding a bride through her wedding journey—bringing her vision to life, calming her nerves, and sharing in her excitement. Along the way, you often form bonds with the bridesmaids as well, who become new clients and friends in their own right. It’s not just about the transformation in appearance; it’s about the boost in confidence and the meaningful connections that last long after the event.

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

I was juggling two demanding roles: during the week, I traveled to New Orleans and other Southern cities as an educator for Aveda, training salon professionals in the latest product launches, and hair and makeup techniques. Then, on weekends, I’d switch gears and work weddings, helping brides look and feel their best on their big day. While I loved both aspects of my work, I was burning the candle at both ends, constantly on the move and barely catching my breath.

Eventually, I realized that the more time, energy, and focus I poured into my own business, the more it rewarded me. I began to see the potential for growth if I streamlined my schedule and shifted my priorities. Stepping back from continuous travel not only gave me room to breathe, but also allowed me to deepen my connections with local clients. That conscious pivot—directing my passion and expertise into building my bridal and salon clientele—ultimately set me on a path to a more balanced and fulfilling career.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.primandpowder.com
• Instagram: @primandpowder @kayshea_txhmua
• Facebook: Prim & Powder
• Linkedin: Kristen Kay Shea

Image Credits

Snapchic Photography

Chandler J Photo

Ema Reide Photography