Meet Kayla Almendarez | Professional Makeup Artist

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

Hi Kayla, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I pursued an artistic/creative career because the everyday things didn’t challenge me. I found it easy to learn something standard and then execute. But what challenged me was being creative. I never feel like I’m in a rut because being creative allows me to continuously pull from the world around me. It took a long time to admit I was good at my traditional jobs because it didn’t take much effort or discipline. So when I stepped into makeup artistry I had to be a lot more honest with myself because where’s the standard in creating? There wasn’t a quota to be met, there weren’t computer based trainings, and in my case there wasn’t a school. I had to become more disciplined if I wanted to learn more. I had to expand my thought process, manage my time, seek new information, and etc. But I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me apart from others is my energy. I’d be such a liar to say that my artistry alone carries me. through. I once read somewhere “from love is where I came, so love is all I’m trying to give”. I know what makeup artistry has done for me on a personal level, makeup always fits, if you mess it up you can start over, and it forced me to see my flaws and embrace them positively. I bring that same compassion and energy to each and every person I work on. The cherry on top is that I do great work. I got to this point professionally on a calling from God. I kept hitting walls in my traditional workplaces, I kept finding myself in a hamster wheel and I was absolutely miserable until God said, “trust me there’s more for you.” God placed people in my life with messages and help. So I quit and it’s been rolling ever since. NONE OF THIS IS EASY! I’m still waiting to coast, lol. But I wouldn’t trade this peace of mind for the world. I love what I do! I’ve learned that your calling and vision are not always made clear to you until you jump. It takes time, effort, and rest! Yes, rest! I was tricked into thinking that being tired was the only way to be successful when in reality its rest, grace and mercy. I want the world to know that The Kaye Marie and I.D.Kaye Makeup Artistry are the culmination of not knowing the room you have to fly until you’re in the air. They’re energy driven first and the talent is secondary, I want to always be remembered for how I made you feel when you work with me. The talent is undeniable but good energy is hard to come by.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I hail from the great state of Virginia, 757 to be exact. So if you’re visiting me we’re eating GOOD. Let’s vibe with the locals in downtown Hampton at Marker 20 or grab donuts and Rogue Elephant coffee from Glazed. Drinks and live music in Phoebus at Noir! Art your bag? No problem, let’s hit the Hermitage Museum in Norfolk! I keep speaking on energy so let’s get right and get your spiritual necessities from Velvet Witch in Norfolk (shoutout my spiritual mentor Ashley B!). Oh and while n Norfolk you have to stop at Cutta’s Kitchen! Best brunch/breakfast in the 757! I love the outdoors so we can go west and visit Crabtree Falls or stay local and hit Noland Trail in Newport News.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost all praises are to God. The gift I have is not my own and without God, none of this would be possible. My family (Mom, Dad, my son Kayden, my brother Seth, and my Bella) and friends have continuously supported my dreams and are the reason I go so hard to make thing happen. My sisters of Eta Eta Lambda society, lemme tell you there wouldn’t be a business to be had without them! My business mentor Lia Monet of Her Hectic Life and my makeup artistry mentor Melissa Daughtry of Kabod Artistry, these two women have poured into me without fault. I’m blessed that they’re more than mentors, they’re my friends, sisters, mothers, and anything else I’ve ever needed them to be.

Website: thekayemarie.com

Instagram: @_idkaye_marie

Twitter: idkaye_marie

Facebook: IDKaye Makeup Artistry

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGGYtlq0vqW4f9T2FrqZhkQ

Image Credits
Sachi Chantelu Tony Watts Nick “Nick Nikon” Harris Shiino Langston Jason “Jay” Charles