Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayli Rachelle Davis.
Kayli Rachelle, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started out in the makeup industry when I was in high school, I was a theater kid and didn’t get casted in a show but still wanted to be apart of the production and I naturally fell into makeup because I was an art student! I slowly started taking appointments in my high school and schools around me for proms and dances, and all of a sudden I got booked for a wedding and I was like “holy crap I can actually do this… like for real!”
So eventually, I started a bridal business and primarily did brides and their bridal parties. I got a job while I was still in high school with Sephora, which was great because at the time that was my big goal.
I worked my way up in Sephora in Springfield, Missouri and eventually was helping train artists and teach to their artistry to help push them forward all while still pursuing freelancing outside of my day job.
I knew I wanted to do more and be more and grow my career for myself, and I decided to make the jump and move from Missouri to LA to pursue my artistry!
I moved to Los Angeles in September 2018 and I knew as soon as I moved here nothing was going to come easy. I was expecting 1000 no’s before I got a single yes. I did have an upper hand as a newbie out in LA because I’ve worked previously for four years with Sephora so they allowed me to transfer so I would have a source of income in my field of work, which was greatly beneficial (for myself, my rent, and my wallet!).
I did my research and put together my cover letters and resume for a list of artists that I would die to work for and be trained by. Instinctively people start at the bottom and work their way up to their top dogs they want to be with, but I did the opposite. I was like “no, you know what? Screw it. I’m doing this.” And I started with Sarah Tanno, and as you probably know her, Lady Gaga’s makeup artist.
I was nervous, but I was mostly excited to hear back even if that meant getting turned away because at least I put myself out there for ME for an artist I had a fire and a passion to be mentored by.
I was turned down immediately by her agency, but two days later, she had reached out to me personally telling me she had seen my email and wanted to get to know me and have an interview.
Since then, which at that time was the beginning of October, I’ve been working with Sarah Tanno and the HAUS of gaga as her assistant which has been absolutely incredible for myself personally and for my career, obviously.
My path with Sarah and my career had moved a lot faster than I ever anticipated, and I think faster than she thought when first hiring me on. For the short amount of time that I’ve been given the opportunity to learn with her, I’ve got to go to more than one red carpet event including the Grammys, being my first ever red carpet event, and the MET GALA.
I’m continuously learning from Sarah and have been given a huge opportunity and jump start to my career and I owe her so so much for giving me this opportunity!
While being Sarah’s assistant, I am open and allowed to assist other artists, such as Michael Anthony, Katy Perry’s makeup artists, as well which is beneficial for me because I can see how other artists do their work because each artist has their own way of doing their art!
I obviously intend to grow beyond what I have and have my own clients, but I’m definitely beyond grateful for where I am now and what I’m learning but I’m very excited and open to growing and learning new ways in the cosmetic industry!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s definitely been smoother than some of the stories I’ve heard from other successful artists! I haven’t had to live back home or anything, But that doesn’t mean it hasn’t been rocky either.
I’ve worked hard for this opportunity for the past seven years, ya know? I didn’t have a trust fund or mommy and daddy money to give me a “just in case” cushion. I worked and worked and sacrificed and pushed myself and put myself in uncomfortable situations all for the sake of growth in my career.
Advice that I have for young women and men out there just starting your journey, and I know this sounds corny, but don’t give up. You WILL be told no. You will be pushed away or be broke for a while… like, A WHILE. You might HAVE to eat PB&J instead of getting your almond milk matcha latte every day. You will be uncomfortable and might have to have 5 roommates, but do not give up your dream.
With hard work, and lots of crying in your car in 5 o’clock standstill traffic on the five and a little bit of hope it will turn around because hard work and not a stank attitude goes a long way. Nothing will fall in your lap. You have to work for it, and experienced artists will recognize that and appreciate that out of you.
Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I specialize in makeup artistry if you hadn’t been able to tell.
I’m also certified in skincare and facials!
I’m a full-time makeup artist and full-time makeup artist assistant.
I honestly think I’m known for my strong artistry skills and fast learning when it comes to new techniques. A lot of artists that I personally know will confide in me and my art to be able to help push them and help them grow, which I am more than happy to be able to help an artist grow! Which is also what I think sets me apart as a young artist in the working field.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE editorial and fashion makeup. That is where my heart and soul is. Don’t get me wrong I love a good Instagram worthy sexy Smokey eye, and your girl can live for a good natural look (which is a lot harder than it looks if you’re still wanting that Kim K “natural” look) but there is a big chunk of my heart where my passion lies with editorial.
Do you have a lesson or advice you’d like to share with young women just starting out?
A couple of books I read that I keep near me when I’m losing motivation and artist drive is “You Are A Badass” “GirlBoss” And “Assisting Rules.”
I’m always up for a good self-help book, especially if you need a little direction or a small pick me up.
As for apps, I actually try to avoid social media without completely ignoring it in my downtime otherwise I’ll just scroll for hours and hours and then- POOF- my days are gone and I’ve just wasted five hours liking posts.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.kaylirachellemakeup.com
- Email: kaylirachellemakeup@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kayli_rachelle/
Image Credit:
Gaga picture/Jessy Price for VOUGE “behind lady Gaga’s legendary MET GALA looks” video
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