Meet Trailblazer Callie Kay Read

Today we’d like to introduce you to Callie Kay Read.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Callie Kay. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
In 2011, shortly after having my son, Brody, I was in need of a major change in my career. It was kind of shock to most co-workers when I decided to get a job in the Cosmetics industry. I only wore mascara on my fanciest days, never wore lipstick and had no idea what bronzer was. (I did have a thick black eyeliner phase in high school, but who didn’t.) I felt out of place and intimidated by the beautiful and experienced women around me when I started. I was taking a huge risk but had a small group of ladies who stood next to me and who were willing to help train me to get enough skill to apply makeup on not only myself but other people, too. I was shocked at my immediate connection I felt towards makeup application and the addiction I had to learn all that I could. As a person who consistently needs a creative outlet, this new road was life-changing for me. It didn’t take much time until I unquestionably fell in love with the look on my client’s face as we finished and she looked in the mirror. After working at Laura Mercier for a couple of years, I found I wanted to grow my skill as an artist and began working with the artistry line, NARS. As a bold, edgy artistry line, it really challenged me to learn different artistry skills and push myself to keep my skill set up with the new innovative product they continued to launch. I worked with NARS for five years and am still super passionate about what he stands for and the quality of the product they produce! I typically still use Laura Mercier and NARS products daily on myself and on all my clients! As I grew out of the retail portion of makeup, I stepped away to pursue my own ventures to focus strictly on my building my artistry business.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No part of deciding what you want to do forever is easy, especially when you realize how much work it’s going to take to get there. But for me personally, I think my biggest obstacle has always been trying to find time to grow myself as an artist and network my business. Being a single mom and working full time, I was typically exhausted at the end of the week and found myself utilizing my time without my son sitting on the couch, vegging out or going to brunch all day gossiping about celebs. I always justified it with the fact that I deserved to just do nothing because of all that I had already accomplished that week. But when you find the thing that makes you feel like a badass that made a difference, that is the thing you fight for. For me, meeting new clients and intensifying the things that they love about themselves, and helping them feel more confident about the things they feel insecure about is irreplaceable, so I made time for it. Instead of Friday margarita nights, or Saturday morning Netflix binges, I used the time to create my website, network with other boss ladies, and prep my makeup kit for the early morning mountain weddings the next day. My weekends became exciting because I was so addicted to the way I felt after doing makeup all day in the mountains with a really fun bridal party. I finally just decided that feeling fulfilled was more important than relaxing. I committed to making it a priority, even if I had to do it tired.

What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
I am a beauty makeup artist. I offer makeup services for wedding parties, engagement pictures, special occasions, and photoshoots. As an artist, I really strive to ignite something in my clients that may make them feel more confident and empowered to go accomplish whatever it is they need to go do after they leave me. I pride myself on allowing a safe space for women to become vulnerable and talk about their insecurities in their skin, or makeup application and then ask for help and trust me to hear them. As women, we are absolutely our worst critic, and sometimes self-deprecating. On many occasions, clients come to me and mention they’ve always wanted to be able to wear a certain look like red lipstick or a smokey eye, but they don’t know if they can “pull it off”. There’s a reason why she wants to try something new, so I not only help her find a way to help with makeup but also listen to why she wanted to make a change. A lot of these clients are bridal clients, and being a part of their best day ever, it always extremely special and creates an immediate connection. Something I have always been proud of is the relationships I’ve made through makeup. It is very intimate having someone literally in your face, and you have to really like someone to have them in that space over and over again. I have many clients that have become not only repeat clients, but they also became my friends!

What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
Surround yourself with other people, women, and friends who support you and are on your team. You are already going to doubt yourself enough, don’t let the haters fuel that fire. Stay away from people who want to compete with you instead of inspiring you. Find mentors, ask questions and learn from people who are better than you without comparing yourself to them. You will forever be growing, so stay humble in the process.

Pricing:

• Special Occasion Makeup $85
• Bridal Preview $100
• Wedding Day Makeup $125
• Bridal Preview and Day of Wedding Package $210

Contact Info:

• Website: www.calliekayartistry.com
• Phone: 720-498-6234
• Email: calliekayartistry@gmail.com
• Instagram: @calliekayartistry
• Facebook: facebook.com/calliekayartistry

Image Credit:
Emily LC Photography, Paula B Photo, KP Photography

Suggest a story: VoyageDenver is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.