We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kristian Bailey-Gaines. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kristian below.

Kristian , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

Starting my career as a make up artist was my first huge life altering risk. Prior to starting my own business as a freelance makeup artist I was working as a home health aide. I did that because the hours were flexible and I was able to attend school at Brown Aveda Institute in the day working towards getting my esthetician license. I remember the day i completed school and passed state board, I was so excited! I knew i wanted to key in on Makeup artistry and that is exactly what I did I joined Bangs Salon and began working alongside amazing hairstylist it was an awesome partnership because I was able to pass out my cards to clients and grow with other entrepreneurs, mean while i was still working nights as a Home Health Aide because I had not had a steady stream of income as an entrepreneur. One day at the salon the owner asked me was I ready to take a leap a faith and start my makeup career full time. It was the best question I could ever be asked, and challenged by, I had already been putting in the work, saving and investing in my craft it was time to take the risk! I prayed , trusted God and finally took the leap by putting in my 2 weeks notice. that was now 10 years ago! This risk was the first of many risk to come, entrepreneurship is risky business I needed to learn the lesson of risk and humility so that i could follow mentors to help guide my career. I have been an entrepreneur ever since and have started other businesses since.

Kristian , 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 am Kristian Bailey affectionately known as “KB” I got into the business as a makeup artist/ cosmetic line owner/empowerment speaker because it was my dream/purpose. I had a natural gifting in makeup that I couldn’t let go of, I find joy in making other people not only look good on the outside but feel good on the inside each client is special to me and I have always made a point to provide excellent customer service to each person that I take care of. Naturally I began saling cosmetics to my clients because they would always ask me about foundation matching and lipstick color choice. This unique quality of being a trusted voice led me to start a women’s empowerment organization called “SIS BLOOM” I realized that my natural gift to uplift women deserved to be shared with others outside of my chair, my desire is to see women walk in their God given purpose, and not live a life that everybody else thinks is best for ones life. I am most proud of my elevating career not only am I a full-time entrepreneur freelance makeup artist, I am also a film make-up artist and I get to work on amazing productions with wonderful people. I also gave my first empowerment conference with over 125 women in attendance!! My desire is to keep creating spaces for beauty and empowerment as well as opportunities for others to shine.

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

The most effective way I grew my clientele was and is customer service. My ability to to give each client an experience is what creates great reviews and referrals.

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

One thing I have learned in business would be always be ready to pivot. In my case I am reminded of my most recent pivot in becoming a traveling/film makeup artist working in film. I spent most of this year working in Texas, which was a huge jump in my career. I own 3 businesses, I am a wife and a mom which means multi tasking well has been a great asset of mine but even with the best work habits there will be lessons to learn. My makeup career has grown and I had to take a chance to leave my already built clientele to grow and learn something new. what I have learned is that in business and in life things change or should i say elevate and it is up to each individual to take the leap of faith to grow in your business and in you life.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kristianbailey.net
• Instagram: mua_kb
• Facebook: Mua_kb

Image Credits
Photographers: Stephen Midgett J.Early Media Kamron Khan Jordan kage