Meet Katie Franks of Kiss by Katie

Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Franks.

Katie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
The concept of Kiss by Katie began about 8 years ago. I had always loved makeup growing up and it was while I was attending beauty school that I realized my passion for helping women look and feel beautiful but more specifically that there was value in offering a unique service of hair and makeup for special occasions. I had always LOVED the makeover parts of What Not To Wear, Sally, and Jenni Jones, where they’d take them from NOT to HOT, and here I was able to provide that to someone.

An instant confidence boost in just 45 mins by yours truly! The more I began doing makeup for my peers or friends, the more I realized I can turn this into a legitimate business and attract real-world clients. I first started getting legitimate clients through referrals from my early hairstylist Pam and it grew from there. She was a veteran in the beauty industry so people really trusted her word… so when she would refer me to them, it was one and done!

I definitely gained confidence in my skill set, client interactions, and professionalism during that time and slowly but surely I began to really advertise myself on my social media network and gain clients that way, whether it was an old classmate or a friend of a friend needing services. I think what helped me become a well-rounded artist was that if the job paid, I would do it.. and that includes but is NOT limited to prom girls, little girl “spa” birthday parties, Halloween clients, small lessons, etc. I feel like the best way to build your chops is to just get out there and say yes to the opportunities you get as an artist.

So fast forward to now, it took me about 5 years from when I first started to really have a notable brand but that people would remember and recognize and throughout that time I’ve been able to create a niche in this very vast beauty industry so that I can offer something unique to my clients that no other artistry can. I can honestly say that today, Kiss by Katie has turned into a prominent business that offers luxury services to my dream clients.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
For the most part, my journey to where I am today has been pretty smooth! I would say that the biggest struggle I’ve had along the way would be standing by my rates and policy.

Every now and then in the past, I would get inquiries wanting me to come down on my prices, haggle me for cheaper services or not uphold their signed contract of services. I tend to be such a people pleaser and hate conflict so it was difficult for me to learn how to say “NO” or to have less than ideal conversations with clients who would breach their contract of services.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Kiss by Katie – what should we know?
Kiss by Katie is an on-location beauty concierge serving Houston, Austin, & anywhere in between! We specialize in Bridal hair + makeup services and are best known for our fresh and polished aesthetic with a glamorous twist.

What sets Kiss by Katie apart from others is the overall experience with us. Our team focuses on providing luxury services while bringing an undeniable energy to the appointment. We are anything but stiff when we knock on your door!

We thrive on connecting with each and every client by finding commonality, making them laugh, bringing customized music to play, singing with them, dancing with them, and just really being present and aware in that moment. It’s so much more than just a makeup application or a hairstyle.

We leave each appointment with a new connection and a new relationship and I have to say that out of everything, I’m most proud of that.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
The one quality or characteristic I feel has played the biggest, most important role in Kiss by Katie is consistency.

Consistency from our communication and openness with clients, to the work we put out, from our professionalism to the energy and vibe of every appointment, etc. Consistency. Consistency. Consistency.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kissbykatie.com
• Phone: 210-860-8028
• Email: hello@kissbykatie.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/kissbykatietx
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/KissbyKatieAustinTX/
• Other: www.theknot.com/marketplace/kiss-by-katie-houston-tx-824037

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