Today we’d like to introduce you to Kiara Gray.
Hi Kiara, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Originally one of my childhood best friends introduced me to makeup. I remember being on the phone and she was telling me about this girl name makeup doll on YouTube. I have no idea that people did make up and put it on the internet. I became obsessed then from there my first ever job was working for Ultra beauty. I was a cashier. I decided I was going to take this seriously. I’ve worked with such brands as Clinique and Fenty Beauty. Then in 2020, I got hired to work at MAC Cosmetics. Since then, I decided to start my freelance career and we have been here since.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Of course not! I use to be a person who cared about what others thought of me. My family is an educated family. When they found out this was what I wanted to do they were shocked until they saw what I can do then were like o”k she got talent”. Then when I wanted to take it seriously, I would get discouraged a little. I would cry and be upset because I wasn’t getting clients or being booked. I wasn’t receiving the same “pop” that other artists in the city were. My cousin Shamiyah would tell me to focus on my craft and I would be fine.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a makeup artist and model. I specialize in all things beauty-related. Modeling helped me learn the ends and out of the beauty world. That’s how I know how to get the angles on my clients lol. What I’m known for is natural glam makeup actually! I feel I’m most proud of being on T.V for my makeup career. I was on the news on a beauty segment talking about makeup products and giving tips and tricks. Yea I know I’m pretty famous lol. What sets me apart from others is I’m clinically certified so I teach my clients the skincare part of makeup. Good skin is the most important aspect of achieving a good makeup application.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Advice on networking… Talk to people. Working for MAC I’ve met so many different types of people from all over the world and I’m telling them what I do. You have to brand yourself. No one can read through your mind and know you do makeup or what your career is. I post on social media none stop and talk about my brand all the time. It has helped my career so much.
Contact Info:
- Email: Kiara_gray1@yahoo.com
- Instagram: Kiara_gray_cosmetics
- Facebook: Kiara Gray
