Today we’d like to introduce you to Kandice Brock.
Hi Kandice, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My love for makeup started at a really young age. As a little girl, I would play around with my parents’ makeup just for fun, and by high school, I was doing all of my friends’ makeup and constantly practicing different looks on myself.
I grew up without a lot of money, and I remember setting up a camera in my tiny bedroom and filming myself doing makeup for YouTube. I didn’t have a fancy setup or expensive equipment — I was just genuinely passionate about it and wanted to create. Over time, I started gaining a following online, and that was really the first moment I realized makeup could potentially become something bigger for me.
From there, I started working for MAC, which gave me an incredible foundation and allowed me to work with so many different faces, skin tones, and styles. At the same time, I began taking clients outside of MAC, and little by little, that turned into my own business.
What started as me doing makeup in my little bedroom has grown into a career I’m incredibly proud of. Today, I work independently as a professional makeup artist specializing in bridal, events, and high-end clientele. It’s still surreal sometimes to look back at where I started and see how far that passion has taken me.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road. Like any career, there have been plenty of ups and downs along the way. Working so closely with people means that not every experience or client is going to be perfect, but thankfully, the amazing clients and relationships I’ve built far outweigh the difficult ones.
Wedding days especially can come with a lot of pressure, emotions, and anxiety. As a makeup artist, you’re not just there to make someone look beautiful — sometimes you’re also their therapist, calming presence, and person helping keep things moving when emotions are high. I’ve learned that being able to read the room and make someone feel comfortable is just as important as the makeup itself.
One of the biggest challenges has been learning how to balance that emotional energy with whatever may be happening in my own life. When you work for yourself, you still have to show up, be present, and give your clients a great experience even on the days when life feels heavy.
There are also naturally busy and slow seasons in makeup artistry, which can be challenging when you own your own business. Over the years, I’ve learned to trust those seasons, adapt, and continue building even when things aren’t as busy. All of those experiences have made me more resilient, both as an artist and as a business owner.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in luxury makeup artistry, with a focus on bridal, special events, and private clientele. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to build relationships with clients who trust me enough to fly me across the country for their weddings and special events, which is something I never take for granted. I’ve also had the opportunity to work with a few celebrities, while still having regular clients who come to me simply because they want to feel beautiful for a dinner, event, or night out.
I think what I’m most proud of is the level of trust I’ve been able to build with my clients. Makeup is such a personal experience, especially on important days, and many of my clients come back to me year after year or refer me to their friends and family.
What sets me apart is that I really focus on the entire experience, not just the makeup. I want my clients to feel comfortable, taken care of, and still like themselves, just the most elevated version. My style is polished, timeless, and luxurious, but I always customize the look to the person sitting in my chair. For me, the biggest compliment is when someone looks in the mirror and feels confident, beautiful, and completely themselves.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My biggest advice is to practice as much as you can and never stop learning. Take classes, watch tutorials, research different techniques, and if you have the opportunity, shadow an artist you really admire. There is so much you can learn just by watching how someone works, interacts with clients, and handles different situations.
I also think one of the most important things to learn before jumping into working on clients is proper sanitation. Knowing how to keep your kit, brushes, products, and workspace clean is just as important as learning technique. You’re working so closely with people’s skin and eyes, so professionalism and safety should always come first.
And lastly, try not to compare your beginning to someone else’s middle. Everyone develops their own style and confidence over time. Keep practicing on different faces, stay open to learning, and most importantly, have fun with it. The more you genuinely enjoy the process, the more that passion will show in your work.
Pricing:
- Bridal $650+
- House calls $375+
- Studio glam $225+
- Subject to increase
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.makeupbykandice.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeupbykandice
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/makeupbykandicexo/#
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KandiceXOX1
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/makeup-by-kandice-san-diego?osq=makeup+by+kandice&override_cta=Request+an+appointment
