Life and Work with Keri Walsh

Today we’d like to introduce you to Keri Walsh.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Keri. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I have always been interested in makeup, ever since I was a little girl. I can remember when I was elementary school age, going to my Nana’s house and raiding her lipstick drawer. I can still vividly picture it today: upstairs bathroom, top drawer, and all green tube lipsticks. I would run up there first thing and put every single lipstick on. So, you can say my Nana helped me start my makeup obsession!

When I was older, I started working for skin care and cosmetic brands and really fell in love with the artistry behind it. I was thrown into this professional world of products, training, and experience. Looking back, I am really happy that I started my journey in retail because I met some incredibly talented people who I learned so much from. The amazing thing about makeup is that you can always learn. There is always a new technique, new products or new ways to use old products. There is just this feeling when someone sits in your chair and you have a palette of beautiful colors in front of you and a blank canvas to work on. I can remember one specific instance where I knew that being a makeup artist was what I wanted to do. I had a woman who had recently undergone chemo and had lost her hair and eyebrows. The look on her face when she looked in the mirror brought me so much joy. She was so incredibly happy! She told me how much more confident she felt with eyebrows, so I taught her how to do it on her own so when she got home, she would be able to make herself feel this way every day! It is such a small thing, but it can really change a person attitude.

Once I began to really dive into the artistry aspect of makeup is when I started doing makeup on my friends for fun and for events. I truly love making people feel confident and pretty and it would make me so happy to see my girlfriends feel this way! One of my girlfriends had asked me if I was available to do her and her bridesmaid’s makeup for her wedding. This was my first time doing wedding makeup. I was flattered she asked me and we had such a blast. After that, I really wanted to do more bridal work. I loved being a part of her most special day and making her feel like the most beautiful and confident version of herself.

I started advertising more for myself, made a website and handed out business cards. Most of my business is bridal, but I also do other events on the side.

I truly love what I do. I love the creativity behind it, the endless possibilities and the connections I make with other women.

Has it been a smooth road?
I think starting out in any field can be intimidating and challenging. Sometimes, I doubted myself and my talent, comparing myself to other advanced artists. I found when I started doing that, I would just push myself more to practice and learn from them. What I would suggest to anyone starting their journey in makeup is to never stop learning. Practice is key to bettering yourself and your talent and don’t be afraid! It’s just makeup and can wipe right off!

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Makeup by Keri – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I am a freelance makeup artist and I specialize in bridal makeup. What I am most proud of as a brand is how far I’ve come. Over the years, I have grown my business and really put a lot of dedication and hard work into myself as an artist and into my brand. What sets me apart from others is my ability to really connect with the women who sit in my chair. I love getting to know them, learning about their lives and who they are as a person. I think it is super important to know your client’s personalities because it really helps when creating a look for them. Everyone is different and everyone has different styles and I like to take the time to understand each person individually so I can really give them a look that fits who they are!

Often it feels as if the media, by and large, is only focused on the obstacles faced by women, but we feel it’s important to also look for the opportunities. In your view, are there opportunities that you see that women are particularly well positioned for?
I think women are well positioned for anything they set their mind to. I truly believe that. I don’t think there is anything that we can’t do!

Pricing:

• Bridal starting at $85
• Prom $60
• Engagement Photo $65

Contact Info:

• Website: www.makeupbykeri.com
• Phone: 603-438-3385
• Email: keriwalsh617@gmail.com
• Instagram: makeup_by_keri
• Facebook: MakeupbyKeri

Image Credit:
Meredith Jane Photography, Heather Ross, Sheila McDonagh, Kendra LaFauci, Nikki Marie Photography

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