Meet Mckennah Laurel | Makeup Artist & Esthetician

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

Hi Mckennah, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I believe at some point in life, it’s important to take on risks. Taking risks have played a big role in a lot of the people and opportunities I’ve come across. I’m an avid believer that everything happens for a reason but your decision depicts how a risk can serve or hurt you. Throughout life experiences, you’ll learn how to decide what risks are worth taking. Becoming a beauty professional and following my dream in becoming a makeup artist was a risk worth taking. In the early stages, a lot of people doubted my vision and tried to place their fears into my mind and heart. Despite how others felt I never stopped following my passion for creating art. Even when life struggles made things hard, I knew that GOD had made a space for me to turn my dreams and desires into reality.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My passion towards art and creativity started out as a form of self expression. What sets me apart from others is that all my creations are one of one. The reason art is such a big part of me is because my mind and heart is like none other. I truly believe that art can be anything but imitation. When applying the same principal to my work as a makeup artist, I see my models as a live canvas. Through experience, I’ve learned to curate my signature style of makeup. Being able to find my signature style is something I’m most proud of. The genre of soft glam makeup is where my creative ability flourishes. At the start of my career in 2017, bold makeup looks were most sought after. As a new beauty professional in the field, I felt as though I needed to sponge onto what was trending or popular to attract clientele. I soon realized that super bold colorful looks just didn’t work for me, being a modish makeup artist didn’t work for me. So I decided to take makeup courses from artists that I admired. The instructor that really helping me find my niche in makeup artistry was Terri. After investing money, time, and energy into finding what worked for me I became confident in my craft. This propelled me as an entrepreneur and freelance makeup artist. Learning myself and staying true to my passion at the core is was got me to my level of success as a beauty professional. With every client I encounter, my goal is to build a relationship with them so they better understand me as an artist. The journey so far has not been easy but I find that as long as I lead with love, kindness, and honesty I attract what’s for me. Through it all my biggest lesson is stay true to myself and keep a mindset of gratitude. Many people sense that energy through me and my creations because art is meant to make you feel something. What I want the world to know about Mckennah Laurel is that the authentic energy you feel from my art is to open up your mind and heart to create.

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.
The first stop would be good eats at Hattie B’s hot chicken in Atlanta. Once the itis kicks in, we’ll head home and I’ll show my guest the ✨Grand Tour✨ of the house. Once their settled and done napping, we can get ready to indulge in the night life. Caribbean vibes at Igloo Atl are always a good time. We’ll enjoy dancing, drinks, and dancehall music until it’s time to retire home. In the morning going out for brunch is a must. I recommend heading to Toast and visiting Morgan Falls Overlook Park in sandy springs. With the wonderful spring weather in atlanta we can enjoy walking trails, river views, and water activities. After a full day of activities we grab a quick bite at ponkos chicken and head home. A new day brings new adventures to enjoy free yoga, movies, bowling, shopping, and eateries at Atlantic station. It’s a one stop shop for all kinds of food and fun. To kick the day off with good scenery and cool events we head over to Midtown Atlanta. We can relax and unwind at colony square with massages and spa treatments. After pampering, the dining hall has everything from fine dining restaurants to decadent desert shops. There’s always entertaining events being hosted in the yard like live music and comedy shows. On the last day, we’ll enjoy 333 peters street station located near Castleberry Hills Art District. Enjoy art made my local creatives, live music from local artists and connect with likeminded people in a safe space. There’s a coffe shop for caffeine lovers a tattoo studio for the fearless. Always good vibes in Atlanta 🤟🏽🍑

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First things first, PRAISE GOD! Throughout my journey, god has sent family and strangers to assist me up until this point. One specific person that I would like to shout out is my good friend Anu. She supported me from the beginning and opened my eyes to possibilities that at times I didn’t think were attainable. She is a woman of god and without her my story would have a missing puzzle piece. I love her like a sister and I know god blessed me to know such a good friend!

Website: StyleSeat.com/mckennahlaurel

Instagram: @MckennahLaurel

Twitter: @MckennahLaurel

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