Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristine Duke.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have had a love for makeup since I was a young girl. I was always intrigued when i would watch my mom or any of the females in my family apply their makeup in their own way. I noticed that every one of them had different techniques that worked for them and it was so interesting to me. What started as something fun quickly became somewhat of an “armor” for me. For years I had to deal with constant bullying and it became very hard for me to want to be around kids my age. I always felt judged or like I was being picked apart. It was then that I developed issues with my image. I felt “less than” and not good enough. Makeup, hair and fashion became somewhat of an outlet for me. I could explore and be creative in front of my own mirror and nobody could see me or judge me. When I got into high school, things shifted and people changed. I was able to let go of the negativity and ugliness of all those years and just be me. My mom always tells me that she can remember picking me up in high school and I would be right there doing my friends’ makeup. What can I say.. I loved it!
That love never went away and it evolved into something I just couldn’t live without. It was my release and it made me genuinely happy. That little girl grew up into someone so determined to help others realize that beauty TRULY does come from within. No matter what society tells us is “pretty” or “popular” or “in”.. we are all those things, ALL THE TIME. Now as an adult, as a mother and having been doing makeup for many years now, it was time to turn this into something that I could be proud of. I wanted my kids to see that regardless of your age or any obstacles you face, you can live your dreams.
Has it been a smooth road?
I have had an amazing support system with my fiancé, my parents and my children. They let me know how proud they are of me all the time and that is he best feeling. But of course, where there is good, sometimes there is bad too.
I have met some not so great people who have tried to break me down, just to build themselves and/or their business up. People who want to take credit for my success or say “they made me who I am”. I’ve been in partnerships that should never have happened because the truth is, some people can’t see past their own greed or selfishness and have no idea of how much hurt they can cause. That’s not me. I’m not out to be better than or more successful than anyone else. I didn’t put forward all the hard work, time and energy just to try and beat someone else. I did it for me, my family, and every single amazing human being I get to work with.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the LIV Studios story. Tell us more about the business.
LIV Studios started as, most amazing things do, a dream. Something I talked about wanting to do for years. Well, my fiancé was listening every single time because he was the one who told me (after countless office jobs) that it was time to make it happen. He let me know that he would support me in any way he could. He believed in me and my kids believed in me and that was all I needed to hear. LIV Studios was born.
I have had the pleasure of meeting and working with so many people in this industry. I was very fortunate to form a special bond with my instructor in makeup school and she introduced me to so many amazing makeup artists and hair stylists who all had the same love for their craft, as I did. I worked with a few other companies as a independent contractor before I went my own way and learned a lot from them all. What to do and what not to do. Then, when I knew it was time, I started on my own journey for my own company.
LIV Studios is an on-site hair and makeup team for weddings and special events. We “bring the studio to you”. We don’t stop there. We do hair and makeup for personal and professional photo shoots. Some of our artists have worked awards shows and music videos. What sets LIV Studios apart is our personal touch. We know that we are a huge part of an amazing day in your life and we want to help you make the best memories. Ones that will last you a lifetime. We want to laugh with you, hand you a tissue when you cry (dab, don’t wipe!) and see the look on your family members’ faces when they see you all ready.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
In hair and makeup, you change as the trends change. It as a forever evolving industry. You never really stop learning and you never stop growing. There is always something new to learn and that’s what makes it so fun. I have so many plans for the future of LIV Studios. So many things I want to do and will do. For now, I take it one day at a time and I always remember where I came from and I remember that little girl in me that is so proud of how far I’ve come and how far I will go.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.livstudiosinc.com
- Phone: (805)822-8295
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @livstudiosinc
Image Credit:
Saulo Padilla Photography (all pics with brick in background), Rewind Photography (photo w/ curtain and bride)
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
