Today we’d like to introduce you to Kalia Yang
Hi Kalia, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
From a young age, beauty has been my language—a way to express myself and connect with others. Growing up as a Hmong American girl, I often looked for representation in the beauty industry and found little to none. That fueled my passion not just to create, but to be a voice and a presence for my community.
At five years old, I was already mesmerized by the art of makeup, and as I grew, that love only deepened. What started as a personal passion soon turned into something bigger when I began sharing my artistry on social media. Now, as a content creator and makeup artist in the Twin Cities, my work has resonated with people, especially those in my community, who see themselves reflected in my content. It’s not just about makeup—it’s about empowerment, storytelling, and embracing beauty in all its forms.
Over time, my dedication led me to incredible opportunities, from working in MN Fashion Week to becoming a lead makeup artist for New York Fashion Week. My journey has also led me to collaborate with beauty brands like Milk Makeup, Milani Cosmetics, Lilly Lashes, Beauty Bakerie, and most recently, Starry! These partnerships have allowed me to expand my reach, furthering my mission of representation in the beauty industry.
As I continue to grow in my career, my purpose remains the same: to inspire, uplift, and be a reflection of the beauty and strength within my community.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road to where I am today has been anything but smooth. When I first started, I had nothing—no professional camera, no high-end makeup, no fancy brushes. I used whatever I could, making the most out of what little I had. Funding my passion was one of the hardest obstacles, but even more challenging was overcoming the doubt—not just my own, but from those around me.
I thought the people closest to me would support me, but instead, I was met with skepticism and silence. It hurt because I felt like I had a purpose, something meaningful to share, yet no one seemed to see it. That doubt made the journey even harder. I questioned myself constantly, wondering if I was chasing something impossible.
But over time, I realized that success isn’t just about where I want to be—it’s about the journey itself. Once I shifted my mindset and started embracing the process rather than fixating on the end goal, everything changed. Now, with 9K followers on Instagram, 70K on TikTok, and nearly 1K on YouTube, I look back at where I started and feel nothing but gratitude. Every struggle, every doubt, every moment of uncertainty shaped me into the creator I am today.
My journey is far from over, but if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that persistence and passion will always outweigh doubt. And no matter how difficult the road gets, I remind myself why I started in the first place—to create, to inspire, and to represent my community in spaces where we deserve to be seen.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a professional makeup artist and content creator who is passionate about all things beauty, storytelling, and representation. I specialize in creating content that blends artistry with emotion, culture, and a sense of belonging. As a makeup artist, I love a good challenge and take pride in catering to everyone. Whether my clients want a full transformation, a fun and creative look, or just a subtle enhancement of their natural beauty, I enjoy bringing their vision to life.
I am most proud of the progress I’ve made—not just in numbers, but in the genuine connections I’ve built along the way. Seeing how my content resonates with people, especially within the Hmong community, reminds me of why I started. Through hard work and consistency, I’ve been able to secure incredible partnerships and receive PR packages like it’s Christmas morning, a testament to how far I’ve come in this industry.
What sets me apart is my ability to blend beauty with storytelling. My work is not just about makeup—it’s about empowerment, representation, and making people feel seen. I strive to create a space where beauty is more than skin deep, where everyone feels valued and inspired. That passion is what truly keeps me going.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My biggest advice for anyone just starting out is simple—just do it. Don’t wait for the perfect moment or the perfect tools. Start with what you have and trust the process. Set goals that are realistic and achievable, put in the hours, and do your research. Growth takes time, but consistency and passion will take you further than you think.
Most importantly, don’t get discouraged if support doesn’t come right away. Your people will find you. Stay true to yourself, focus on what you love, and the right audience will connect with your work. Looking back, I wish I had embraced the journey instead of fixating on where I thought I needed to be. Enjoy the process, celebrate small wins, and keep going—because the only way to succeed is to start.
Pricing:
- Rates start at $190 for makeup services
- 1:1 lessons start at $165 for 1 hour
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kyangger/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KYANGGER
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@kyangger
