Conversations with the Inspiring Brooke Kelly Rawls

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brooke Kelly Rawls.

Brooke, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have had a love of makeup since I was in high school. Before the days of YouTube, I would spend weekend afternoons at the MAC counter and soak up as much information as I could from whichever artists were working that day. I found the colors, brushes and artistry all so intriguing. In order to get your makeup done, you had to buy product so I quickly began to build my own collection of makeup. I went on to college and earned a degree in Women’s and Gender studies which led me to a career in social work. All the while, I was doing makeup on friends and family on the side. Once I had my children, I decided to stay home to raise them. As they got a little older, I began brainstorming how I wanted to re-enter the workforce. My husband is the one that suggested I turn my love of makeup into a career. He pointed out that I was already doing the work for free, so why not build a business model and start making money from my talents. With his encouragement, I gained my confidence and pursued this new path. Never could I have imagined that it would lead to where I am today. I absolutely love what I do!

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
There have been lots of challenges along the way, but the biggest one was myself. I lacked the confidence to believe I was good enough to make a career out of this. I was constantly comparing myself to other artists who were younger or had gone to cosmetology school or who were published in all the major magazines. Here I was, in my mid-thirties, starting an entirely new career and I felt like a fish out of water. There were many days that I got so discouraged that I convinced myself that this was a terrible idea and I should just throw in the towel. I pushed myself to keep learning though. I took online courses to become certified in makeup artistry, began networking with other local artists, and followed every major professional artist I could on all social media platforms in order to study their craft. In the past two years, I have grown exponentially as an artist but also have learned to trust in my talents and believe that I am good enough. I look to other artists for inspiration and support and have realized what an amazing community this is.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Bk Blush Beauty story. Tell us more about the business.
I provide makeup application services for weddings/special events/photoshoots and also teach one-on-one and group classes for people who want to learn application techniques and color theory. I love doing consults because I get to work with clients in my studio in a casual relaxed environment where people can learn skills and not be overwhelmed by mass amounts of products or worry that someone is just trying to sell them something. I work with people with the products they already own and make suggestions of key items that might enhance their look.

I have also learned to love and really specialize in Bridal Makeup. I love the excitement that each wedding day brings. I contract out with a group called The Day that does on-location beauty services. I work with an amazingly talented group of women who are masters of bridal hair and makeup. We learn and grow from each other’s work, and I am so proud to be a part of that team.

Do you have a lesson or advice you’d like to share with young women just starting out?
Believe in yourself, in your abilities, your passion and your strength. I would also say that you should never stop learning. I feel like no matter what one person’s craft is, there is always room for growth and enhancement. Do not compete against others, but rather see them as teachers and learn from their strengths. Lastly, be open to change and know that whatever path you take may bend and go in a completely different direction. If that new direction interests you, then follow it no matter how scary it might be.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.bkblushbeauty.com
• Phone: 317-902-8157
• Email: bkblush11@gmail.com
• Instagram: @bk_blush_beauty
• Facebook: @bkblushbeauty

Image Credit:
Teodora Pogonat Photography, Tyler Freear Photography, Lindsey Nicole Crossed Arrow Events, Tina Joiner Photography, Liz Weitz, Kip Pears Photography

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