Life & Work with Kelsey Boone

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

Hi Kelsey, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
When I was 7, my neighbor that lives across the street, Tiffany (who was 10 or 11 at the time), taught me how to braid on dolls hair! Once I learned, I took off. I was braiding everything in site! Later, I began doing my own hair for school when I was in the 5th grade. Once I got to high school, I would do friends hair here and there, but didn’t take it too serious. When it comes to the makeup, I always saw my mom get pretty and and wanted to wear makeup like her although she told me not to wear it!! Lol But I was still in awe and knew one day I’ll be wearing it!

I didn’t get serious about my craft until I moved from my hometown (Fort Worth) and moved to Lewisville. People would see my hair or my makeup and ask me if I can do it for them. I didn’t really think of charging much and sometimes nothing at all because I didn’t plan on it being my profession! However, my close friends and family would say, “You should start doing hair and makeup, you’d be great!!”

I had a full time job and it got to a point where I had a client every night and would be booked on the weekends! I knew then, I had something special going on and it boosted my confidence!

Forward to year 2020, I was laid off from my job. Blessing in disguise!! On that very day, I had opened my availability on my website. Within hours (literally), bookings began to come in! Thank you Jesus! I KNEW then, that’s exactly what I was supposed to be doing! And every since, I’ve been doing hair and makeup full time!

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Of course! NOT! Lol! When you’re in business for yourself, there will always be some ups and downs. For me, since I went full time in 2020, it was definitely a struggle. That was when Covid hit hard and we were pretty much on lockdown. I had little to no clients for a few months. And even after, shops were to remain closed for awhile.

Now, depending on seasons, you have your up months and you have your down months. You just have to promote and know when to throw out a good sale!

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a makeup and hair stylist, mostly braider. I specialize in braids and natural makeup! I am most proud to consistently have new clients and retain loyal clients! They are amazing and wouldn’t be where I am without them!

What sets me apart from others is my spirit. I actually love people and love to get to know them. I love to uplift and be an ear when needed! My clients are more like homegirls or friends! It’s like I’ve been knowing them forever! With me, you know you’re going to leave in good spirits and looking even better when you leave my chair! That’s why my business is called “Inspiring Beauty By Kelsey J”!!

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My advice is to not be hard on yourself. Keep going. You’re going to have some bad days and you’re going to have good ones. But don’t give up. Keep trying to perfect your craft and do it YOUR way. Don’t try to be like anyone else.

I wish I knew that certain techniques differ for each client. You have to learn different techniques and use different products for certain skin or hair types. But again, it’s all trial and error so you just have to be patient, and don’t be discouraged.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://inspiringbeautybykelseyj.as.me/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muah_kelseyj/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kelsey.boone1
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/InspiringBeautyByKelseyJ

Image Credits
Ajax Rodriguez