We were lucky to catch up with Tiffany Kilgore recently and have shared our conversation below.

Tiffany, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

The biggest risk I’ve taken was to transition from a Director-level corporate position to an independent, freelance makeup artist in the middle of Covid. I started my beauty career working full-time for cosmetic brands, so I was very comfortable and used to the consistency in pay, healthcare benefits and the overall structure that provided. During Covid, the brand I was working for experienced massive layoffs, including my position. When I moved to LA for that company in 2016, I secretly, but not-so-secretly, wanted to be an agency-signed, freelance makeup artist. But at the time, I didn’t know the first thing about how to accomplish this dream and leave the “safety and security” of my full-time job. It was too intimidating and scary! Which is why being let go from this role was a true blessing in disguise. It pushed me to pursue this long-held goal and take a huge leap of faith. The pandemic really shook things up in all areas of life, and the only thing that was certain was the uncertainty. This instability made it the perfect time to do the scary thing because there was really nothing to lose. I knew I would regret it if I didn’t take a chance on myself and face my fears. Four years later, I’m still working as a freelance creative and, although the path hasn’t always been easy, the risk was definitely worth the reward.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m a makeup and hair artist based in Santa Monica, CA. I started doing makeup over 15 years ago as a National Artist for bare Minerals, and continued to cultivate my beauty expertise by working in corporate roles for Juice Beauty and LORAC Cosmetics. In 2020, I began working for myself and developing a new path as an independent makeup artist. I signed with Rebel Brand Management for beauty and fashion shoots, and began working in the wedding industry doing bridal glam. I currently do makeup for cosmetic and fashion brand campaigns, reality tv, private clients and brides.

I’m proud to say I’m a self-taught makeup artist, and my knowledge has come from experience in working with people of all ages, ethnicities and genders. This has really helped me learn what products and techniques work best for different people and occasions, whether it’s for a red carpet event, a wedding day or a photoshoot. I think one of my biggest assets is that I truly listen to what the client is asking for with their look, and aim to meet their needs with kindness, experience and talent.

I’m so grateful for my corporate beauty background because it instilled in me a solid work ethic. It’s important to show up on time, maintain professionalism and place importance on relationship building, and these are all values that I believe help set me apart. I’d love for potential clients and followers to know that being a makeup artist brings me genuine happiness! I believe it’s true that when you’re doing something you love it doesn’t feel like “work”, and I’m so fortunate to have made an entire career dedicated to bringing joy and fulfillment to both myself and others.

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

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a makeup artist is helping people look and feel their very best and bringing out their most confident self. I think it’s easy to say that makeup is frivolous and we should have an “inner confidence” that overcomes external appearances. And absolutely, it is important to achieve a sense of self that isn’t based in the superficial. But I’ve worked with women going through really difficult times, suffering from illness or divorce or loss- really serious things that can cause even the most secure person to feel a little low. I’ve seen how makeup can instantly transform their mood and bring out an inner confidence that helps them feel more empowered. It’s amazing, and one of the biggest reasons I love doing what I do!

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

One of the biggest driving forces in my creative journey is to challenge myself to grow. Even though it was something I wanted, I never thought it was possible to be my own boss and forge my own path. The first obstacle I had to overcome was believing enough in myself, and working to eliminate the fear and self-doubt I had that was holding me back. It’s crazy to think that I’m here four years later and somehow still making it work! I’ve learned from this journey that the biggest competition is really with myself. I’m constantly working to learn, overcome new fears and stretch my comfort zone. What keeps me going is continuing to reaffirm the trust and belief I have in myself, and knowing I’m never done growing in new ways and achieving greater success.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tiffanykartistry.com
• Instagram: tiffanykartistry
• Other: Agency link:

  https://rebelbrandmanagement.com/skill-mua-detail.html?t=69