We’ve all done it. Yeah I’m including you. WE ALL have done it … When we were tiny toddlers, as a teenager, in the beauty salon, heck maybe even inside Fontana.

That’s right. At some point or the other we’ve all flipped through beauty magazines and have marveled at the masterpieces that were created on someone’s face. It’s amazing the things you can create with so little space, on such different textures and shades. It truly is a transformation. Some may even go further to think ‘I wish I could do that ‘ and possibly even attempt to.

One particular young lady was immediately mesmerized and drawn to the makeup artworks that she saw in magazines. Keneisha Bryan recalls the moment she discovered just how much makeup could do.

She says, “I always saw how beautiful and flawless the girls were, and I always wondered how and when I’d be able to look like that, even at a young age”.

She was further baffled when she realized that it was someone’s master and crafty manipulation of temporary makeup that made the flawless looks.  ‘How did they do that?’ She’d ask herself.

Determined to find out and experience it for herself, Keneisha went out and got her first weapon for battle, an eyeliner. With this she set out to conquer her eyebrows, but often found herself in trouble for wearing ‘makeup’ at school since at the time she was only 14.

Today, many may look at her technique and precision in awe; but like all great things, it did not happen overnight.  During the interview she recalled some of her first time looks; below being one of them.

It took her about a year to work up the courage to practice makeup on someone besides herself. After that, she went to the Heart College of Beauty Services for two years to not only get the practice and theory of cosmetology, but to also become certified.  Perhaps having art as a subsequent hobby helps her steady hands get those snatched and sharp wings.

Can you tell the cut crease is her absolute favourite? It goes without saying that every good artist has a muse and inspiration, Keneisha particularly draws hers from Wayne Goss, and Jackie Aina.

For the past 5 years, the award winner has pushed through the negativity pelted at her and has created a successful, independent practice where she specializes in makeup and beauty.

She still reminisces and chuckles at her beginnings when she’d charge $1000 JMD (INCLUDING TRANSPORTING FEES) for a makeup look.

Keneisha urges that while the makeup craft may have its downside, if examined from another perspective, one would clearly see the confidence boost that makeup can give to a woman. It helps her to demand attention when she walks in the room; and while some may sum this up to be arrogant, it nonetheless makes the woman more comfortable.

While the beauty and glam aspect of makeup is the most eye catching, Keneisha leaves a some words of advice for aspiring MUAs, “Don’t just learn the practical; get some theory in. It’s useful, especially when clients asks for suggestions and advice. With everything that you do, you need to have background knowledge of it; understand the reason behind it. [You should] be able to add aftercare recommendations, especially if you see them [the client] with minor skin issues .. ”

To the makeup naysayers, Keneisha just has one thing to say, “not because you don’t like something means you must automatically bash it. To each their own.”

Did you enjoy reading Keneisha’s journey to professionalism? Click the heart below to show some love for those who started from the bottom.  Don’t forget to check out her Instagram @iamkend0ll.