Meet Kelly Little | Soft Glam and Bridal Make up Artist

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

Hi Kelly, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
When it comes to the beauty industry, there are many expenses. When I first started servicing clients 5 years ago it was eye opening when I noticed how many products I’d truly need. A big debate going on now among the make up world is, an artists’ rate and why there is such a huge range from low to high. As a professional make up artist who specializes in bridal and soft glams, it’s very important that I have a diverse kit to service anybody that sits in my chair. Another fact outsiders aren’t aware of are the fees we have to pay to run a booking site and/or website. Many think we aren’t suppose to charge a tax to our service and it’s a luxury to have someone service you, let alone travel to you and spend 4-8 hours with you.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
When it comes to my art, I consider my specialty as a Soft Glam and Bridal Make up specialist. I have always wanted my clients skin to look seamless and not caked on (nothing against full glam looks) but most of my clientele are everyday working women, photoshoots, and then bridal looks. The main goal is to have my client look seamless on and off camera.

I am most proud of me always learning new tips and tricks. I am huge on being versatile in this industry, so I further educate myself in many ways such as online classes, business classes, model sessions with clients etc. I feel that many take pride in further educating themselves when it can truly make a difference in your skill. Art came easy to me as a child and grew with me as an adult, so I am very thankful that I can enjoy what I do.

There have been challenges such as “slow periods” where I wasn’t getting many brides or clients on a weekly basis. I kept faith because I understood Covid held alot back and also inflation. It’s still kind of slow for me right now but I have faith things will turn around.

Lessons I’ve learned: 1. Have business etiquette, a booking system and website for clients to learn about you and have a booking process. 2. Don’t compare yourself to the next artist because it can mess with you mentally. Someone can be amazing at slaying a face but have horrible business skills and nasty attitude. 3. Another lesson: buy what you NEED! This will save you time and money because make up expires and I am huge on using what I have on hand. 4. Network with other beautyprenuers around you near and far. I’ve met so many amazing women and we work together on projects as well.

My brand Slay by K Beauty is my baby, my first business that I am truly proud of. I would’ve never thought I’d be in this position or career but I am less stressed that working in the corporate world. Being a solo business owner takes a lot of work but I also have been blessed to have the skills to maintain it with ease.

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?
If my best friend came into town, we’d definitely have a list of restaurants to go to. I am a huge foodie and I am down for trying new food wherever I am. My first place would be Seoul Meat Company near uptown Charlotte. Then we would find a nice hookah bar to go to and possible bar hop. Another favorite food place is Link and Pin in South Charlotte for their bomb food and Old Fashioned Cocktail. We’d also have a girls night in and I’d cook (because I love to host and cook) and have wine/cocktails and maybe watch a movie. I’m sure we’d end up at a sushi restaurant as well, maybe Bacao sushi because it’s an upbeat restaurant with food, drinks and hookah.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to shout out my husband! My husband has been my biggest supporter throughout our relationship and then pushing me to become a FT entrepreneur after having our daughter. I didn’t plan on being a make up artist, it found me, and I’ve met many beautiful people along this journey within my business. Also huge shoutout to my clients: Without my clients, I wouldn’t be in this position to call myself a professional make up artist.

Website: https://msha.ke/slaybykbeauty

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mskellybaby_mua/

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/slaybykbeautyandbridal/?ref=bookmarks

Other: Bridal website: https://slaybykbeauty.square.site

Image Credits
IG @parislovephotography for 1 snapshot IG @harrymclaughlinphoto for 1 IG @daileyalexandra for 1 Remaining by myself