Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Weaver.
Katie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
It started out in middle school with an addiction to an unhealthy amount of eyeliner (the raccoon eye phase). Although as I went through high school, it became more of an art for me. It became an artistic outlet, whether it be doing an intense cat eye or a bright pink eyeshadow. I would sit in front of my mirror for hours practicing every technique and tip I learned from my favorite YouTube makeup artists. After I graduated high school, I struggled with finding my path. I knew I wanted to do something in the beauty world but I wasn’t sure where to start. I then enrolled in Palomar Institute of Cosmetology’s Esthetics program. It was there where my passion for this career blossomed. I learned so much through this program, not just about makeup but about how important my job is to make people feel beautiful. It took my passion to an entirely different level. I knew then that my focus would be not just a creative outlet, but to make women see their true beauty. It’s funny because people think of makeup as covering up that beauty, but I see it as enhancing it. As a makeup artist, I strive to enhance every aspect of them, I want my clients to walk away seeing themselves in a way they’ve never seen themselves before. After receiving my esthetician license, I started assisting a couple of makeup artists, learning as much as I could. From there, I collaborated with some photographers and I started to book jobs. It’s been a rollercoaster since then but I’m so grateful for all the amazing people I’ve met and relationships I’ve made along the way!
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?
It’s definitely had its ups and downs. I’ve felt discouraged at times and stressed out over money or booking jobs. But if I could give anyone advice it would be to push through. It’s rough starting out, I’m not going to lie, my first year I worked mostly for free. But because of those jobs, I did for free I made connections and built my portfolio. I formed relationships with photographers, florists and wedding planners. It’s because of those relationships and friendships I made that I started receiving referrals, which led to building my clientele. Owning your own business isn’t a breeze, but it’s so worth it in the end. I’ve learned so much (and still am) about life and myself through this process. It has also helped that I have an amazing support group, my friends and my family. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today. This career has proved itself beyond rewarding, even through the rough patches.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
As a freelance makeup artist, my focus is on special events, editorial, and print. Clients book me for my natural, glowy glam. I focus on the skin, perfecting the base and enhancing features so that you walk away still feeling like yourself (but a million bucks). I’m most known for the “no makeup” makeup look.
Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
Start off by assisting other makeup artists. I learned so much from other makeup artists, way more than I learned in school. Even if you’re just watching another makeup artist work, you’ll pick up so many little tips and tricks. Take your time, form relationships with your clients because the best way to get your name out there is by referral!
Contact Info:
- Phone: 7607171601
- Email: katieweaver.makeupartist@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beautybykatieweaver/
Image Credit:
Gail Bowman, Radleigh + Sage
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