Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaitlyn Rodriguez.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My love for make-up and all things beauty related started at 10 years old. I was obsessed with the latest fashion magazines and had to be up-to date on all the red-carpet looks! At 11 years old, I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Being so young, I searched for an outlet to help me cope with my diagnosis. This life altering event led my curiosity to discover ways to focus on self-care. This led me to explore my moms makeup! I still have the first eyeshadow palette I ever used.
A few years later, I realized makeup became my limelight. When starting high school, my makeup style became a daily practice. In order to perfect my craft, my family members became my muse. In 2016, Youtube became my source of expanding my knowledge. I searched for Tutorials and I stumbled upon, Carli Bybel. I wanted that confidence and skill that Carli had. Once I graduated high school, I struggled trying to figure out what career I wanted to pursue. After endless hours of research I stumbled upon an 8 week Make-up Education Certification course, best decision I made! I quickly realized I needed to refine my talent. Fast forward 1 year, I enrolled in Toni & Guy Hairdressing Academy in California to become the full package for a future career in Cosmetology. I loved the gratification of working hard on a customer’s hair/make-up to see them radiate with confidence.
A few of the events & courses I have been a part of:
– James Ryder Hands on Multi-Media BootCamp
– Next Level Artist Makeup Certification 2013
– Urban Decay Editorial Intern
– Nikki Lopez Special FX Training
– RAW Underground makeup artist fashion shows
– Long Beach, CA University Fashion Show Artist
– Los Angeles Woman’s Convention Platform Makeup Artist
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Well, I think Bubba Gump expressed the best way I can explain, “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get!” The beauty industry has been a humbling experience and helped me develop thicker skin. My experiences taught me not to compare my self-worth to results and helped me accept that my work will not always be accepted and that’s okay! The struggle with learning a skill and working freelance is also learning and setting boundaries. When it came to acquaintances wanting free services I now understand that those lessons come with experience and maturity.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I recently became fully invested in my Freelance Hair & Makeup-Artist career and opened the door to the Bridal world and partnered with winning Beauty Agency, War Paint International. I am working on my own website and future projects! I specialize in Glamour, Natural, Special FX, Halloween, Airbrush, Makeup Education, Virtual Consultations, Personal Shopper, Runway and Editorial makeup.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I still look up YouTube and Pinterest ideas to practice every night before a client. I also pump myself up by blasting and singing my favorite party music on the way to a venue.
Pricing:
- Full Face: $75; Bridal: $120
- Eyes Only: $45; Bridal Party: $55
- Airbrush: +$20
- Down-do/Blowout: $60
- Hair Coloring Service pricing available upon Consultion
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.kaitlynkreative.com
- Instagram: @Beautybykaitlyn |@Kaitlynkreative
- TikTok: @kaitlynkreative
Image Credits
KaitlynKreative
Beautybykaitlyn
War Paint International Beauty Agency
