Meet Trailblazer Kelsey Johnson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsey Johnson.

Kelsey, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started my beauty journey in my hometown of Dallas, TX, at the Aveda Institute where I studied Cosmetology. After graduating, I moved out Denver to pursue my new life in this industry. I didn’t have a job lined up, but I knew I wanted to be in this city. I spent a few days applying to what felt like all the hair salons in Denver. After finding out that for a Colorado cosmetology license, I needed a certain amount of in-salon experience hours I didn’t have yet, I was feeling discouraged. At the end of one of these long days of driving around to various salons, I went into the MAC Cosmetics store to buy lashes for my sister. I happened to meet the manager there who warmly greeted me and assumed (based on my makeup knowledge) that I already worked for the company. I said, “I wish!” to which she replied, “Well let’s get you an application right now.” I still remember her encouraging words, saying my smile was contagious and that I seemed like a great fit for MAC.

I was hired the next day, and I spent the next five years working my way up with MAC. I started as a cashier on the weekends and worked my way up to managing the highest volume MAC counter in CO. Working for MAC was a dream job for me. It played a huge part in my growth and ultimately gave me the confidence to go off on my own and be my own beauty boss. The relationships I built with coworkers, team leaders, and clients meant more to me than I can put into words and shaped me into the person I am today.

Has it been a smooth road?
My journey has definitely not always been smooth, but looking back now, I know all of the struggles I faced led me to where I needed to be. I remember being in college in Illinois studying Business, following my older sibling’s footsteps, and questioning myself every day. It didn’t feel right, and I didn’t think I doing what I was meant to be doing. Instead of being excited about my classes, I was waking up early to do hair and makeup for my friends and roommates. It brought me so much happiness to make others feel good about themselves and their appearance. So, I faced a tough decision – do I stay on this predetermined path of a 4-year college with a degree in business, or do I forge my own path doing what makes me happy, despite what others may think? It wasn’t an easy choice, and I lost a lot of sleep over it, but thankfully, I had my family’s support to do what I knew was right for me. So, I moved back to study cosmetology. I knew in my heart that I would not be happy unless I was doing what I loved, and what I loved more than anything was the beauty industry.

My advice for young women is not only to believe in yourself but to not let your own doubts and fears hold you back. We only have this one life to live, and everyone has a different opinion on how to live that life. But what matters is your own happiness and being true to yourself. At the end of the day, you must trust yourself and do what makes you feel fulfilled.

We’d love to hear more about Kelsey Bailey Beauty.
I specialize in beauty makeup, although having worked for an artistry driven line (MAC), I have gained a creative freedom and confidence to do everything, both beauty, and editorial. I have my cosmetology license in both TX and CO, and I love doing all types of makeup and hair services. I want someone to be able to come to me and get both their makeup and hair styled in one spot.

Over the past couple of years, I have done a ton of bridal makeup and found it to be incredibly rewarding. I love being there for brides and their families for such a special time in their lives. The wedding day can be very stressful for a bride, so I like to be part of it as a calming presence, making everyone feel taken care of. I try to dissipate all of the stress they’re feeling and do whatever I can to make them feel blissful, excited, even spoiled.

I am most proud of the impact I can have on others through makeup. I can make a difference in someone’s life by helping them feel beautiful, whether it’s for a wedding, a first date, or for a woman who’s just gone into remission from her battle with cancer. We all have things we’re self-conscious about when it comes to our appearance, and I love that I get to remind people that everyone is beautiful. When outer beauty aligns with inner beauty, confidence comes naturally.

Do you feel like there was something about the experiences you had growing up that played an outsized role in setting you up for success later in life.
Ever since I was a little girl, I told my parents I wanted to be a “hair done-er” and “makeup done-er”. In fourth grade, I cried when my mom surprised me with letting me get highlights for the first time. So clearly, I always loved hair and makeup. But what has had an effect on me most of all has been my little sister. Kathryn was born with special needs, and caring for someone in my life with disabilities has made me the person I am today. I am so grateful for everything that I have in life because I grew up knowing that not everyone has the same opportunities that I have. I have a special place in my heart for people who may need a little extra help and patience, and I pride myself most on being able to help anyone, no matter what they’re going through in life or what struggles they may have. Someday I would love to be able to combine my two passions of cosmetology and special needs work!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kbjbeauty.com
• Email: beautybykbj@gmail.com
• Instagram: @kelseybailey_beauty

Image Credit:
Grace Gatto Photography, Macy Frances Photography, Shannon Velie Photography LLC

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