Today we’d like to introduce you to Allison Kwasniak
Hi Allison, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My first job out of college was actually in the non-profit world. I was overworked, underpaid and barely making ends meet. I needed additional income and started in the beauty industry in a retail capacity selling skin care and cosmetics for extra money. That was 15 years ago and was what initially sparked my interest in makeup. I really enjoyed learning new trends and application techniques and then teaching them to my customers who purchased from me. Eventually my repeat clients started asking me if I could do their makeup for various special occasions which prompted me to seek additional education and become registered with the state board of cosmetology as a makeup artist. After working under the umbrella of a brand, I finally decided to branch out on my own. I received a certification in HD makeup application designed specifically for photography and video and began developing relationships with local photographers and other event professionals. After seeing success with my new venture, I looked to expand my services. My mission statement has always been “to build confidence from the outside in” and I wanted to lean further into that. Makeup is only one aspect of outward confidence. I sought more education and received certifications in color analysis, personal styling and fashion consulting. I am now the proud owner of Color Her Confident!
The root of everything I do and why I do it is my family! I am married to my husband of 12 years, Peter and together we have two beautiful children, Abigail – 8 and Joseph – 5. I wanted a career that allowed me to be present for my family on my time and my terms while also making an impact on others. Through Color Her Confident I have found the best balance I could imagine! I truly love my work and the way I am able to build and instill confidence in women while also being able to set my own hours and be involved in so many aspects of my kids lives! I want to give them amazing opportunities and experiences and my business is allowing me to do that!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
As with most things in life, there have been several challenges along the way! The road to success is never straight and often feels more like an all out battle at times. One of the biggest challenges was stepping out on my own and leaving the umbrella of a brand that provided me so many of the essential tools I needed for a business. My training wheels came off and I had to develop my own logo, branding strategy, website, marketing materials and utilize new platforms for my CRM, book keeping and communications. It felt very overwhelming and at first I didn’t really know where to start. I learned quickly to seek out help and support from others that were experts in areas I was not. I delegated the parts of my business I needed help in and it allowed me to focus on the parts of my business that only I could do and work in my strengths. The other major challenge I still continue to face sometimes is the feeling of imposter syndrome. My business is growing and I am gaining recognition and accolades but I still find myself sometimes questioning if I really deserve it or if I am really good enough to get to the next level. I have found that surrounding myself with a support system that encourages, empowers and lifts me up helps remind me that I have worked hard to get where I am and I am good enough because I already earned everything I have now. No one else did it for me and I am proud of my accomplishments!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I build confidence from the outside in though my services for HD makeup application, personal makeup lessons, color analysis, personal style consulting and closet audits!
What truly sets us apart is our mission. There is typically a lot of pressure in the beauty industry to look a certain way or wear a certain brand and trends are constantly changing at a rapid pace. It can be overwhelming, intimidating and discouraging. However, over my time in the industry I discovered that I had the power to help women find inner confidence through their outward appearance. Think of the last time you got dressed up. You put on your best clothes, nice shoes and did your hair and makeup. When you saw your reflection in the mirror, you looked good and that made you feel good! You smiled brighter, walked taller and interacted with the people around you in a happier and more positive way. The physical transformation lead to a mental transformation and your confidence grew. THAT is what I do!
My niche is in the photography world. I love helping women to feel confident and beautiful through their makeup and wardrobe. This confidence shows up on camera and produces a better finished product. Many of the photographers I work with notice a distinct difference between the clients that see me first and the ones who don’t. My clients are smiling brighter, standing taller, posing differently and carry themselves with more confidence. In addition, I specialize in HD makeup application specifically designed for photography. I am often asked what HD makeup is and why it is better for photos. In short it is a combination of application techniques and specific, ingredient conscious products known for their light diffusing properties and skin like appearance. Many ingredients in standard cosmetics react with lighting in negative ways on camera creating shine, flashback and white casting, which all needed to be edited out on the back end. HD makeup avoids these ingredients and uses soft, rounded application that translates flawlessly on camera and in the raw images taken. This is an added benefit to the photographer who doesn’t have to spend as much time and money on editing. In addition, I also offer color analysis and styling for my clients, especially those with an upcoming photo session. One of the very first questions someone askes themselves after booking a photographer is “what am I going to wear?” Well I can help with that! I teach women how to identify what colors, necklines, and clothing shapes will flatter them the most, adding to their confidence on camera!
I am most proud of the way women feel when they leave my space. My mission IS my brand and it is becoming more recognizable in my area earning me a nomination for 2024 Best Makeup Artist in the Toledo City Paper. For that I am both extremely proud and humbled!
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
I wished I had stepped out on my own sooner and looking back, I spent far too long hiding behind someone else’s brand. If you have an idea and a dream in your heart, speak it, share it and DO IT! There will never be a perfect time and you will never know everything you need to but you will learn and figure it out as you go. You just need to start!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://colorherconfident.com
Image Credits
Toni Dalton Kerns – Toni with an Eye Photography
Michele Kipplen – Michele Kipplen Photography
Brenda Winchester – Brenda Winchester Photography
Gerri Leonard – Serendipity Photography
