Meet Kyxie Dominguez of Kcd.Makeup in Chula Vista

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kyxie Dominguez.

So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies (elementary education) along with a Specialization in Human Development (special education). I’ve been working in education for ten years and teaching full time for four years and counting. Yup, I’m both a full time credentialed Special Education Teacher and a Freelance Makeup Artist! Whenever I tell my clients this, it’s always a fun experience.

I barely started to wear makeup during my freshman year of college. During my undergrad years, I grew quite fond of trying out new products and experimenting with a variety of makeup looks. I started to become very active in the online beauty community (BzzAgent, Influenster, and LUUUXX) as I was often reviewing products and partnering with brands such as: Gucci, Rimmel, Maybelline, L’Oreal, and Laura Mercier. This was right before YouTube became huge. I then worked for NARS Cosmetics for six years, where I was able to receive amazing training in regards to makeup application, products, and sales. I also worked with SHISEIDO as a Skincare Specialist at the same time where I was able to learn the importance of skincare before flawless makeup application. I’ve been working as an independent mobile Freelance Makeup Artist for eight years now!

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
There’s definitely been various obstacles and challenges I’ve had to face in the process of being where I’m at today.. yet alone who I am today. I actually started off as a pre-nursing major in college. I then realized I was fulfilling a dream that was not my own. As a Filipino-American, switching my career path was the toughest decision I had to make in my life in fear of disappointing my family. I’ve always known my true calling was to be an educator and that my goal in life was to make a difference in our youth today. While I was a full-time student, I was also balancing multiple jobs at a time. I was a freelance makeup artist, skin care specialist, youth leader, dance instructor, and a behavioral therapist. I was so used to staying busy and trying to make ends meet while working in both fields I was truly passionate about. I was never unhappy working multiple jobs, but I definitely learned the definition of “burn-out” at an early age. My goal in doing all of this was to prove that I could be successful in any career I chose in life as long as I put forth the hard work, effort, and heart.

I currently run a girls empowerment group at my school site where I’m able to fuse my love of teaching and makeup artistry. I’ve had wonderful conversations with my students in regards to appropriate skin care, makeup application, as well as the underlying social-emotional components that aren’t commonly addressed. I’m proud to say my students understand the importance of skincare, various makeup techniques to enhance their natural beauty, fun artistry, and the importance of inner beauty. I’m able to share the journey I’ve endured with my students as I encourage them to fulfill careers they’re truly passionate about and willing to work towards no matter how hard the journey may be.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I’ve been working as an independent mobile Freelance Makeup Artist for eight years now. I am located in Chula Vista, CA but offer special event, special FX, and theatrical makeup services to all inquired areas. I’ve had the honor to work with amazing teams for special events such as: weddings, debutante balls, quinceañeras, collaborative shoots, etc. It’s truly a beautiful experience to be a part of “behind the scene” moments. Trust, timeliness and open communication are some of the most important factors in my work ethic. I construct detailed contracts and timelines with a sentimental touch. I also network with all service providers involved to ensure a smooth process the day of the event. I want all of my clients to look and feel good inside and out during their special day with long-lasting makeup and personal lip kits. One of my favorite experiences working on the job is getting to know my clients on a personal level and keeping in touch with them because we’ve built such amazing rapport and connections. I am forever thankful for all of my clients!

What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I would say I was a very quirky kid depending on who I was around and where I was. I wasn’t afraid to speak my truths and was sassy whenever someone fought against my personal opinions. I ranged from being awkward and quiet to very vocal and aggressive. You definitely would have found me outside building a nest out of twigs on a paper plate for birds, weirdly cutting up food in my room pretending I was hosting my own show on the Food Network, or hysterically crying on rollercoasters that were made for children.

I used to watch my mom do her makeup whenever she got ready for work, and the second she left I’d try to mimic her entire makeup routine. That’s when I learned water alone didn’t do the trick for makeup removal as my face became the canvas for a novice Picasso replica. Perhaps this is why I decided to not play with makeup again until I got to college.

I loved sports, still do. I grew up singing and dancing and truly found my love for performing arts. I’ve always been invested in anything involving art in any form. I believe that music had a true part in raising me to be who I am today. I was also always known to be the responsible student who could be seated next to anyone in the classroom due to my desire to help others in need. It’s really interesting to see what parts of you as a child will forever exist internally!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kcdmakeup.com
• Email: kcd.makeup@gmail.com
• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/kcd.makeup
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kcd.makeup

Image Credit:
Francis Santiago, Scott Drexler, Jeff Dillow, Eric So, Dennis Roy Coronel, Patrick Calilung, Mikee Catacutan, and Brandon Figueroa

Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.