Daily Inspiration: Meet Kadisha Tautuaa

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kadisha Tautuaa.

Hi Kadisha, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I got started in makeup professionally once lockdown happened in 2020. Around that time I was working a call center job from home, attending Cal State Fullerton as a Public Health student while also being involved in community work with local nonprofit organizations. That semester the cost of tuition went up and I remember stressing about how to pay for that without financial aid, so I was encouraged to start taking clients in for makeup to make the extra money. I had always been the family makeup artist so the idea did not seem crazy.

I started my new makeup page on Instagram and posted my work, and it was just a chain reaction after that. As I continued my freelancing, the more I realized that I actually wanted to pursue makeup as my career. Soon after, I dropped out of college, quit my call center job and the rest is history. I enrolled in a makeup academy, started assisting other makeup artists and started building clientele and network of my own. That network has brought me more clientele and opportunities than I could ever imagine so I owe a lot of my success to all the amazing people I have worked with and and met throughout my journey. They have all been instrumental in my story – Thank you!!

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
No, it was not easy at all. One of the biggest challenges I had early on was facing imposter syndrome. I think because of my age and how ‘late’ I felt like I was to the industry, I felt out of place sometimes working alongside people who have been here for so long. I would compare my work and question myself often. I didn’t meet anybody who had a similar story to mine so it was hard for me to see past that at times. What changed for me was being on Tiktok and creating my own following. This was a space I used to be free, create my own content and connect with other people who were in a similar place. This also serves as a constant reminder now that I can create my own path and that is my greatest power.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in soft glam makeup. My work started out in bridal but now involves commercials, music, film, and even fashion. I am most proud of my editorial work because those looks were inspired by years of art and culture that have influenced me in my life. Also being around other creatives who respect and value my work helps me to stay inspired and create these looks. I believe that what sets me apart from others is my work ethic and knowing how to provide a great experience. I like to make sure that I am contributing to everyone’s experience by being a team player, problem-solving, and overall just being an easy person to work around. I value my time and everyone else that I work with. It’s more than just knowing how to do makeup.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Emails and DM’s work best for collaborations! I love helping people achieve their vision in any type of form and letting me add my own flair to it – video, photos, print, etc. For support, the best way you can do that is to share my content or refer my business to others. This small interaction goes a long way and it does not go unnoticed! I appreciate it all.

Contact Info:

• Website: makeupbydeesh.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kadiisha.t/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@kadiisha.t

Image Credits
NatalieJPhotos Romina Autrique Tasha Foster