Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsey Hayes

Hi Kelsey, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

Imagine a 16-year-old high school girl battling hormonal acne and frizzy hair, lacking in confidence, yearning to feel beautiful. Her father forbade her from wearing makeup or dyeing her hair, worried it would draw the opposite sex’s attention, allowing it only on Halloween. Craving a daily dose of glamour, she cleverly decided to join the theater—a place where makeup and hairstyles were part of the act, and her father couldn’t object, because after all, “It’s for school!”. Skip to three years later and now graduated from high school, our young girl is now a young woman working in her dream field – she is a makeup artist for off Broadway and Opera shows.
Discovering the arts of special effects, wig laying, airbrushing, and many more advanced skills has filled her world with wonder and excitement. These are the passions she wants to pursue forever!
Next, she learns how to style hair.
Then she moves on to movies and production.
Then she learns about skincare and how that works with makeup.
Extensions and more wig education.
Men’s hair, skincare and makeup.
Body painting and coverups.
Traveling the continental USA and the world.
The education and experience are extensive!
The young woman, now a seasoned professional with 17 years of experience, cherishes her career and its trajectory. Her passion for education stands out, as she educates her clients through individual sessions or group classes. Her annual schedule is packed with weddings, boudoir sessions, headshots, commercial projects, senior portraits, and more. She is self-employed, having shaped her company according to her vision. As her own boss, she is accountable only to herself. She has achieved her ultimate goals and dreams. She couldn’t be happier.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

There are always struggles. If someone says there are not, they are lying.
The challenges I’ve encountered often involved mastering a new technique on the spot or within 24 hours. In this rapidly evolving industry, staying current is imperative. You must be up-to-date with the latest styles, trends, fashion, products, and what works and what doesn’t. It’s essential to be a walking encyclopedia; otherwise, you risk falling behind swiftly. I have been in situations where I have been asked to do a hair style, I wasn’t sure how to do or asked to do a certain makeup look that I wasn’t sure how to achieve. I might have had some key hints from pictures or briefs from clients, but I had never done them myself. In that situation, that’s when you sweat on the inside and put on a smile on the outside.
In this situation you have two choices: You can say “SOUNDS GREAT!” and fake it till you make it work or you can say “I am sorry, I do not know how to do that.”
When engaging with a one-on-one client, it’s highly professional to recognize your knowledge limits. As an expert, acknowledging your humanity and viewing it as a learning chance to say, “I’m not certain how to achieve that specific look, but let’s investigate it together,” is invaluable. Utilizing your resources and collectively learning not only fosters trust with your client but also cultivates a mutually enjoyable learning atmosphere. In high-pressure scenarios, such as during a fashion week, if you’re a budding artist presented with an incredible opportunity and you’re not entirely sure of your next steps, sometimes you must exude some confidence and hope for the best. While it may not be the soundest advice, there isn’t a single successful entrepreneur or artist who wouldn’t concur. They’ve faced similar situations, and in those moments, sometimes you have to ‘fake it till you make it.’

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?

In the Pacific Northwest, it’s surprising to find that I am among the few hair and makeup artists who openly accept LGBTQIA+ clients. Despite being in a region known for its progressiveness, my clients often express their struggles to find LGBTQIA+-owned or -friendly hair and makeup services. This reality is both perplexing and a point of pride for me as I stand as a representative. I am not only part of the LGBTQIA+ community but also a friend to the community, offering makeup and hair services to anyone desiring them, whether for education or an event. I’ve participated in numerous community programs for LGBTQIA+ teens and educational programs, visiting high schools to teach about starting a career in hair and makeup—beyond what is portrayed on social media. I am passionate about bringing truth and acceptance to beauty, as makeup and hair care should be free from judgment.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?

I am always eager to collaborate and work with others. I have a passion for community service and educating emerging artists. I’ve mentored numerous assistants on launching their businesses and have partnered with fellow artists on projects to highlight sensitive topics and alternative groups/lifestyles. My enthusiasm for all aspects of the beauty community is boundless.
You can reach out to me via my website or social media not only to propose a collaboration but also to inquire about a product you’re curious about or a technique you wish to master. I am always accessible!

www.RenderingBeauty.com

www.Instagram.com/Renderingbeauty

www.Facebook.com/Renderingbeauty

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.renderingbeauty.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renderingbeauty
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/renderingbeauty
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/renderingbeauty

Image Credits

Amanda Howse Butler
www.amandahowse.com

Molly Blair
www.seattleboudoircompany.com

TK Collectives
www.tkcollectives.mypixieset.com

Sailor & Sage
www.sailorandsage.com