Meet Kelsea Johnson | Freelance Professional Makeup Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kelsea Johnson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelsea, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I first knew I wanted to start my own business when all my friends were starting to apply for corporate jobs after college. Something in the pit of my stomach told me that just wasn’t the life for me; I wanted to work outside of a traditional office and make my own schedule. I have always craved free time and I knew that I was not going to be able to own my time working for someone else’s company and pouring my effort into their business, instead of my own. It was definitely scary to jump at first but believing in myself is the best decision I ever made.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I didn’t know I wanted to pursue makeup as a career. I graduated from the University of Georgia with full intent to apply to law school and make that journey. It wasn’t until it came time to take those next steps that I realized there was something inside me pulling in the complete opposite direction yelling, “what if you were a makeup artist instead??” I am so thankful to have listened to my gut because 4 years into pursuing makeup as a career and I am doing what I truly love doing; making people feel beautiful. I specialize in effortless soft-glam makeup that enhances your natural beauty without taking away from your features. I want to show people that they are truly so beautiful. Seeing a clients face light up when I show them their makeup is what really lights my passion. I’ve had women tell me that they never thought they could look sexy and then they see a new side of themselves with makeup on. Makeup is truly transformative not only in the psychical sense but also in the mental and emotional sense in the way it makes you feel about yourself and how you are being perceived by the world.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Athens is my favorite city! Aside from the typical bar scene of a college town, this city is rich with art, music, and history! My favorite place for an ambient dinner in the heart of downtown is 5 bar, a cozy restaurant featuring only 5 things on the menu that change regularly! There is also a pop up farmers market every Saturday in the summer where you can buy food and art locally made by your neighbors! I love live music and so does Athens– there is always something playing at the Georgia Theater, a local band at Creature Comforts brewery, or artists playing on the street for all to hear! Not to mention the art, in most places around downtown the art will be made by local members of the community and for sale if you really love something! There is something to do for everyone here, whether you like to be outside in nature or inside eating something delicious and listening to music.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Brooklyn Claudia Maxey is a huge reason I have been able to make a name for myself in our community. She is a fabulous luxury boudoir photographer who has pushed and encouraged me for the last 2 years to really grow and become the fearless boss babe I know I can be!

Website: www.kelseajmua.com

Instagram: @kelseajmua

Image Credits
Brooklyn Claudia Maxey