We recently had the chance to connect with Kaitlyn Hendry and have shared our conversation below.
Kaitlyn, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Art!! I recently started trying textured art and was surprised at how much I enjoy It. I’m constantly finding new things to try and have been truly enjoying this one lately! Getting out of your comfort zone is a great way to help you explore other avenues and usually helps me make room for some of my best creative ideas.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! My name is Kaitlyn but you can call me Kait. I am the face behind Face By Kait! I have been around the beauty industry since I was a kid being a dancer and having to get ready for all types of performances. I started to take a leap of faith in this career about 8 years ago when I graduated high school. I use to do all my friends makeup for school events like prom, senior pictures, dance performances/pep rallies etc. So I felt it was only right to follow in my passion and see where it could take me.
I quickly realized how saturated the “MUA” industry was and I felt like everywhere I looked there was someone calling themselves a makeup artist. I thought, how am I any different? How could I stand out and get clients in my chair? My business started at the bottom and it’s surreal to see how it has transpired over the years. I actually just spoke with a client that I went to high school with and she was one of the girls I got to do Prom makeup for back in 2017 & she just booked me for her wedding !!! Such a full circle moment. But I’m not just all about brides either!
Aside from bridal I also dabble in other styles of makeup too! I’ve been working with a dance studio for the last 3 years (and counting) SHOUT OUT STARLIGHT DANCE STUDIOS! I travel with them and do makeup for their dancers that compete competitively. This is where some of my fun, artistic, and bold looks are showcased. It’s amazing to work with some of the most beautiful girls inside and out and to have this outlet to express more vibrant looks!
Whether you’re looking for timeless, elegance, and sultry, or bold, glittery, and vibrant; I am able to provide that for you confidently.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
My Pammy! I use to work for her at her salon Pam Make me Pretty & she became one of my best friends. When we met I was still just doing make up for fun. I never thought of attempting to make a career from it. Seeing her day in and day out dedicate all she had to her craft really shifted something inside me. It was her that sat me down one day and asked me “why I don’t do make up more often”. My response internally was what people constantly told me which was “because it’s not a real job” but she just took my hand and said “I want you to follow your passions, we are going to work on this together.” And she did not let me down. Between her knowledge and her dedication she would reassure me I wasn’t just in over my head. She wanted to help me build my clientele but most importantly she wanted for me to see the talent I had inside.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Give yourself grace. The most beautiful masterpieces weren’t made in a day. Younger me would stress about all the other girls my age doing the same thing I was and thinking “I was never going to be as good as them”. I wish I could tell her to focus on herself and her craft. Little does she know there is PLENTY of work to go around for everyone in this industry.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely, I try my best to be as authentic as I can.! One can only show and express so much on social media than they can in person. One thing I will say is for me being a makeup artist I love putting make up on everyone and not so much on myself. Shocking ? I’m also not the type of person to recommend any products or post about things that don’t truly align with me, my brand, my morals, etc. You’ll always get the truth and I think that’s powerful. I continuously want to build trust with my audience and clients.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people will still talk about how I made them feel during our time together. I make it a point to really make those around me feel confident and see all the beauty they may not always see or feel themselves. Being genuine and really getting them to feel comfortable with me is something I always try my best to achieve. I want to be their therapist, bestie, and mentor all in one. Everyone I connect with I hope to leave them with a great experience all around. Always spreading love !
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/face.bykait?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=NnhrcWEwNnR1aDBp
Image Credits
photo credit for the both photos of the same bride of me doing her hair & the shot of her looking down with ponytail
photographer : Spencer Schau @theschauphotography on instagram
