By: Shekinah Harper/Contributing Writer
Sophomore Kayla Carcone is an artist like any other; only her canvas is a face and her medium is makeup.
For two years, Carcone, who is studying business, has been the driving force behind her company, Kay G. Makeup. By word of mouth, she has obtained a diverse clientele. Carcone is capable of creating anything from a fantasy look for a photo shoot to a look for a formal event — and everything in between.
She is constantly experimenting with makeup in her free time and practicing new looks she can use on her clients. She is inspired by people, the feel of places and art she encounters. Oftentimes, she creates simple Hollywood looks for models and clients, and has recreated more dramatic looks from movies, like those found in the film “Black Swan.”
“I try my best to come up with unique looks and concepts for my clients,” Carcone said.
Recently, she worked with Blast ‘em Photography to create a both edgy and soft look for a model.
“[The experience] gives me creative freedom to take their concept wherever I want to; that’s when I can truly show my talent,” said Carcone.
Like most artists, she did not start off working with photographers or having her work featured in magazines like Ford Entertainment. Most of her work began in her hometown of Cape Coral, Fla.
Early in her career she was able to network and meet photographers and models through close friends.
“This industry is all about who you know, and not what you know,” she said.
When she arrived in Miami, she accumulated more clients through social media and references. So far, her biggest clientele at the University are members of sororities who need help for formals.
Even though her business has expanded since it began in Florida, she does not plan on sticking around for long. In the near future, she plans on testing her business skills by studying abroad in Italy or in the United Kingdom.
“I would love to travel. I definitely want to build my client base and meet as many people as I can,” she said.
Willing to go the extra mile for her clients, Carcone has traveled throughout the state for photo shoots, homecomings and other special occasions.
“Her creativity is unlike any I have ever seen, and I have had the [good] fortune of having her do work on me in the past. Never once has she let me down or come up with anything less than brilliant,” said Cristina Vivar, a client and roommate of Carcone.
“The best part of being a makeup artist is that the world of makeup is limitless, and the benefits are much greater than the money. Seeing a vision that was in your head come to life makes you feel so accomplished, and being able to make someone feel beautiful in their own skin is a feeling like no other. It is so validating. Once you experience that, you don’t forget it. Who wouldn’t want to make a living doing that?” she concluded.
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