Today we’d like to introduce you to Keri Ann Reardon
Hi Keri Ann, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I have been in the beauty industry since the 90s. I started out retailing skin care products, but women always wanted to learn how to apply makeup, so I refined my makeup application skills. In 2012, after multiple people suggested the idea, I launched my free-lance business, Makeup by Keri Ann. I have served 500+ women since launching my free-lance business, providing makeup services “for all of life’s special events!” in Houston and the surrounding greater Houston area. These events include, but are not limited to, weddings, maternity photos, makeup lessons, professional headshot photos, coming of age birthdays, proms, galas & other formal affairs, and makeup refresh appointments.
Most of my clients wear very little to no makeup on a regular basis and I love enhancing their naturally beautiful features.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Self-doubt and personal criticism are what I struggle with the most – I finely critique my work when I get photographic images. I recently told a new MUA that I feel like every time I have felt like I have made a mistake, or fallen short in some way, I count it as a lesson in “failing forward to success.”
Photographers and event planners are some of my best referral sources. I absolutely love being able to tag and link to the people I have created and served clients with, but when they leave their businesses, I have to find new connections. This is not a bad thing, as I love meeting new entrepreneurs, but I have found the task of fixing all the credited hyperlinks that have become invalid in my website now one of my biggest technical challenges.
When I launched my business, website and social channels, I was very strategic, but I am now discovering I am behind the curve on the technical side.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Like many other MUAs, I have a love for art and I dabble in all things creative.
I love painting, but should take some lessons to improve my skills. I need to paint more often, as I do find it stress relieving and peaceful.
Painting beautiful faces with makeup is my passion though. My favorite client sessions are those done for professional headshots/branding sessions. I love learning what women do for a living or what business they started. Hearing clients talk about their and chosen path and what drives their passion inspires me. Women are so creative and they wear so many hats, incorporating makeup looks to fit their lifestyle and brand is what I am passionate about.
When I began my free-lance business, most of my clients were brides, and I still enjoy doing weddings. But, as I have matured, I realize there is a very strong need for makeup artists who can serve women over 40 and beyond. As women age, our skin changes and the products that work on 20 year old faces, don’t necessarily work anymore. Products pitched for “mature skin” may not photograph well. I strive to be a resource to help women find tips and tricks they can use daily. I want clients to take away tips from my formal makeup application and apply them in their every day makeup routines.
With a background in retail, I do understand how women are persuaded by key marketing buzz words and I do understand the frustration when companies reformulate and change favorite tried and true products. I also worked in corporate environments prior to launching my makeup business, so I do approach every lead and client appointment from that perspective. I know that my former experience in corporate environments set me apart from most beauty pros too, as I reply promptly with communication, am respectful of the allotted time and always dressed appropriately for the appointment setting.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I have always found networking valuable to build relationships and brand awareness. In the fall of 2023 I was honored to be named a local leader for the Spring/Branch Memorial Chapter of Women’s Council of Entrepreneurs. Meeting small business owners monthly gives me accountability as well as inspiration. I strive to be an encourager to any woman venturing out to network for the first time or to pitch their newly launched brand. This amazing community provides networking opportunities as well as education moments to members and guests. It is fun watching women strengthen their connections and grow their businesses and I am so thrilled to be a part of this team in Houston.
The idea of opening my own Etsy shop is forming, I just don’t know if I have the time or energy to go there yet. But as a knitter, and new quilter, I do a have a few ideas of what I would feature, so stay tuned for more adventures with Keri Ann!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.makeupbykeriann.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeupbykeriann/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MakeupbyKeriAnnReardon/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/MakeupbyKeriAnn
Image Credits
Bride with Bridesmaids = Boulevard Photography
Bride and mom = Flame Dong Photo
Solo Bride = Flame Dong Photo
Red hair photo = Hallie Keller Photography
Brunette photo = Hallie Keller Photography
Lifestyle photo = Hallie Keller Photography
Bride with Magnolia = Lawrence Elizabeth Photography
BTS makeup = Boulevard Photography
Candid BTS = iPhone
