Meet Makeup Artist & Hairstylist Kay Cunningham

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kay Cunningham.

Kay, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I grew up in Jamaica where I spend most of my weekends at the beach, going to church, Pathfinders club and hanging out with friends. I am from a Christian family, my mom is a seamstress and dad was a tailor. I was self-taught sewing just from watching my mom and dad. In high school, I was already making friends and teachers uniforms and regular casual clothing. also making gowns for fashion contest events in my local town as a teenager.

I was an Art student so learning about light, colour and shading became easy when I tried my hands at Makeup, after moving to London 15 yrs ago. I worked for luxurious cosmetics brands, Initially I had training but I picked up most of the techniques by trying new things and also combined what I learnt from working for all the brands like Versace Cosmetics (still have my brush set of 13 yrs and going strong), Guerlain Cosmetics, Prescriptives Cosmetics, Givenchy, Chanel and Trish McEvoy. I had a successful career in retail management while living in the UK. I became a freelance Makeup Artist after second redundancy in 2012.

Since then I have worked on some amazing projects, Campaign shoots, Fashion events, Brides, Published in a bridal book interviewed by the Author and Owner of Frost Magazine, Films, Music Videos and Editorial publications.

Has it been a smooth road?
No, it hasn’t When I first decided to try Freelance I had to research on my own, there was no one who
wanted to help, so I kept researching. I found a company that helped freelancers get started with photoshoots for websites, business cards, and a lookbook, but the price I had to pay left me broke, The little images I received for the package without any control of my first website was a bad idea. The first year I did not earn much from it I had a part time job working from home for a media company, everyone wanted to use you for testing, the makeup kit was very expensive and not many people realise to get perfect looks you need good quality products. I was very selective and as I needed credits I found a couple of creatives I could build with. I still test for fun to receive new Images good for social media and Magazine submissions, so the struggles did help 🙂 For any new Makeup Artist or any creative starting out, try and collaborate with photographers, models, and stylists by testing,. One day it will make sense. You can pay for good quality images sometimes, but mix it up with TF.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and career?
I remembered my first feature film “Meet Pursuit Delange” I was contacted by Fiona Fletcher it was her first break to Head Costume, Makeup, and Hair, it was my first feature film credit for Makeup, When I asked Fiona how she found me, she replied saying Facebook. I call that a role of luck!

Do you feel like there are certain traits that increase the likelihood of success?
To always stay humble and focus, never jump into someone’s work, stay in your lane.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I like the beaches, I can’t figure a dislike yet.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kaycunningham.us
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: makeupbykayce
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/makeupbykayce
• Other: Twitter @makeupbykayce