Conversations with the Inspiring Sooyon Kim

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sooyon Kim.

Sooyon, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
At Berklee College of Music, I was surrounded by many talented artists but felt lost in the mix and never truly thought I belonged. Makeup became a fun outlet for me and I started off watching YouTube videos but one day, a friend of a friend asked if I could fill in for an artist that couldn’t make it to a music video shoot, that’s when I realized I could see myself doing this as a career.

In 2014, I moved out to LA and worked with a couple of music business companies but was extremely unhappy so my friends encouraged me to attend makeup school. After a few months, I attended Make-Up Designory in Burbank studying Fashion-Beauty Makeup and graduated at the end of 2016. As soon as I finished school, I started contacting everyone I wanted to collaborate with whether they paid me or not. This helped me network with so many amazing talented human beings that I would have never met if I didn’t step out of my comfort zone. In a span of three years, I’ve made connections with beauty photographers, started working with Glamsquad in the LA area, gained my own personal clients and my most recent job working in the industry as Alexx Mayo’s personal assistant.

Has it been a smooth road? Any advice for other women, particularly young women who are just starting their journey?
Life is never going to be a smooth road, it’s never going to go as planned so I always try to have structure but at the same time, I go with the flow. In the first year, I didn’t have the confidence I have today, so my voice wasn’t heard as much as I would have liked. I had a hard time expressing my opinion when it came to working with photographers/other artists but the people I’ve come across have been so amazing that I never felt out of place.

I’m so grateful for all my friends, family and strangers that I’ve worked with who are now friends that have pushed me throughout these few years. My community teaches me and inspires me more than they may know. For any newbies in the industry, surround yourself with people that have your back and believe in your art. Always be kind and do your best.

What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
My specialty from the start has been natural beauty makeup and that’s what I’m asked to do the most when working with photographers. At the same time, I’m always trying to expand my artistry by constantly learning new techniques.

I love enhancing natural features and making my clients feel and look like themselves. Making sure the client feels beautiful inside and out is my number one goal when working. I’ve come across clients who are uncomfortable with makeup so I try to connect with them personally so that as I’m working they build trust to let go and enjoy the process.

Contact Info:

• Website: Sooyonelinakim.com
• Phone: 7863681200
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: Sooyonelinakim
• Facebook: Sooyon Kim

Image Credit:
Jean Marie
Ashleigh Rae
Dominique Muscianese
Genie Nahume
Veronica Ferraro
Jess
Nina Ortega
Lindsay Ortega

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