Women Who Work: Dominique Kelly (@domkbeauty)

At Hugs for Black Women, we are committed to encouraging and empowering our female community and look forward to connecting with women on a mission to do the same. Each week we hope to provide words of wisdom and inspiration from women who work! Whether creatives, entrepreneurs, or professionals, we want to build a platform for shared knowledge from one woman to another. This week, we are talking to Dominique Kelly (@domkbeauty), a professional makeup artist in Memphis, TN. Dominique brings over a decade of experience as an artist and a lifetime of insight and positivity. Read more about her journey below.

HBW: Can you give us some background information on yourself and how you got your start in makeup?

Dominique: First off, hey there to all the readers! And thank you, Hugs for Black Women, for this opportunity! I was born and raised in Mississippi. When I was younger, I loved to sneak into my mom’s makeup bag and play in her orange lipstick, mascara, and navy blue eyeliner, lol. I remember as a small child loving the way her makeup smelled (kind of odd, I know). Around the age of 5, I told my mom I wanted to be an “artist,” and years later, that would become true!

Fast forward to me being a teenager in high school; I suffered from acne and hated it! Around this time, I also discovered the world of beauty on YouTube. I just loved looking at people transform themselves! This is where I got my first introduction to makeup artists or MUAs. My mind was completely blown. I had never, at this point, met an actual MUA. At first, I was so intrigued because I had found a way to camouflage my breakouts and feel pretty. Then, a lightbulb went off, and I realized I wanted to do makeup on other people as well! When I was 14 yrs. old, I begged my mom to take me to get my makeup done at M.A.C. cosmetics for my homecoming event. When I got there, I was mesmerized by the artist wearing all black clothing. They were fierce, bold, and beautiful! They were everything I strived to be! So, I vowed then that I would one day work for this company. At 20, I started freelancing on my own. And at 21, I had worked up enough courage to apply for my first position with M.A.C. I’ve been with the company ever since almost 9 years later.

HBW: Are there any artists you look up to or anyone who has inspired you along your makeup journey?

Dominique: Oh my gosh! This is a hard question because I take inspiration from sooo many artists! But the answer is definitely yes! At the beginning of my career, Sam Fine was (and still is) my ultimate inspiration! I love Sheika Daley, Pat McGrath, Danessa Myricks, Keita Moore, Fatima Thomas, Mail Magic, Olivia Song, and Kevin Luong, to name a few of the people that inspire me! But I can’t move on without saying that some of the most inspirational people to me are my fellow MUA friends!

HBW: Describe some everyday makeup faux pas you encounter.

Dominique: Whew, chile! Where do I begin! I hate seeing BIG, BLACK, HARSH, BOXY eyebrows! Go for a medium to dark, cool tone brown shade. Soften those brows up, ladies, and use a brow gel for added texture and fluff! Another pet peeve of mine is long, spidery, DIRTY eyelashes! If you’re going to wear strips or eyelash extensions, please go to a professional! And keep them clean! Choose a length and style of lash flattering to your eye shape, please!

HBW: What product can you not live without?

Dominique: Omg, can we make product plural, lol? I have a few! I’m going to group my skincare and sunscreen into 1 product. We have to protect our skin, ladies, and gents. The makeup will lay more flawlessly if you do! I can’t live without a great concealer (any brand will do), M.A.C. Studio Fix foundation powder for full coverage and quick makeup days, bronzer for warmth, and a good gloss to make the lips look healthy and plump!

HBW: What is a key difference in makeup application for melanated and non-melanated skin types?

Dominique: The key difference for me is when working on deeper skin tones, bring the WARMTH people! Stay away from complexion products that will read ashy or ghostly on the skin (unless the assignment calls for such). Now on the same foot, when doing a true contour on deeper skin, the contour shade needs to be more cool/grey. But the application has to be just right to make this look undetectable and natural! On lighter/more fair complexions, you never want to go for products that are too warm, and that will pull too orange or peachy on your skin.

HBW: What is the most important beauty advice you can offer?

Dominique: Take care of your SKIN first because it will take care of you back! We only get one skin in this lifetime! So treat it right and use anti-aging products and sunscreen to keep that skin looking fresh and smooth! While I love makeup, it’s really just the cherry on top! Secondly, don’t try to fit into a trend or style of makeup that doesn’t resonate with you or your lifestyle! Individuality is ok!

HBW: Life advice?

Dominique: Hardships are often temporary. Don’t dwell on the negative; always look to the bright side. We are our own best advocates. So, never wait for a handout. Be proactive and do what needs to be done to improve your situation. Whatever that may be!

HBW: What words of encouragement and support do you have for black women?

Dominique: Black woman, it’s your time! Time to be successful! Time to be loved! Time to love! Time to be free! Time to be creative! Time to dream! Time to put action behind that dream! Whatever your heart desires, you can achieve it! God instilled that vision in you for a reason! Stay the course, especially when times are difficult; don’t look back or to the side of you! And when you get to the final destination, reach back and help your sister! That’s it, that’s all!

HBW: Can you tell us about any goals and plans you’re working on for 2022?

Dominique: Yes, I can! I would love to work in a production setting behind the scenes doing makeup. So that’s something I’m working on. I’m also considering starting esthetician school this year to further my knowledge and skillset within the beauty industry! Stay tuned!

HBW: If you could be anything in the world, what would you be?

Dominique: I truly believe I’m on the right path because I can only see myself doing something involving the world of beauty! But to answer the question, I’d be behind the scenes of a major production gig or traveling the world as a part of a glam squad for someone fabulous! But I say to the universe – I’m open to all possibilities, whether it’s having my own products one day to having my very own beauty studio. The possibilities are limitless!