We had the good fortune of connecting with Kayla Cameron and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Kayla, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
I think figuring out a work life balance has been one of the most challenging steps that I have had to do. In the beginning when I first started my company, I felt the need to say yes to everything. I felt the need to compromise and pack my schedule so full of clients and styled shoots and networking events that I left barely any room to breathe yet alone rest. This past year with the pandemic, it brought a whole new insight to the meaning of the word rest. Like many people in the wedding industry, my job came to a complete halt for quite sometime. I wasn’t sure if things were ever going to be back to the way they were but I did find rest. I found joy in things that I hadn’t been able to do since I had started my company and it gave me time to really think about the way I balanced out my home life and my work life. I am still in the process of perfecting it but have been reminded that the whole reason I stepped out in faith to start my company was so that I could be home more, spend time with my children and husband, travel and be fully present and intentional with the people around me. I have learned to be intentional in blocking out weekends, weeks and even months in my calendar, I’ve learned that it’s okay to say no to things, that knowing my worth is just as important as my intentionality with each and every client I meet.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a hair and makeup artist that was originally based out of Austin, Texas. During peak Covid, my husband and I relocated to the outskirts of Houston to be closer to family. 2022 will be my first official year breaking into the Houston market, which I am really excited about. I have been in the industry for 13 years and officially going on 5 years of owning my own company. I never imagined I would be where I am at today but it was a journey that has truly grown me both professionally and spiritually. I think every entrepreneur would tell you that starting a business isn’t easy and there are so many moments where you are like “What the heck am I doing?” And so many moments where you question if you can, you may cry and feel defeated but the pay off of all the hard work is so much more rewarding than you ever thought possible. There has been such a huge learning curve though. Learning how to manage my time with specific projects, learning to say no to things, standing firm on my value and worth, allowing myself time to rest. It was a challenge in the beginning because you feel like if you say no or don’t commit to things that you will lose business forever, but I learned that no one was getting the fullness of who I was when I was running on empty from over extending myself, whether that was clients or my family. I think what sets me apart from other brands though is my ability to do a multitude of looks. I can go from doing a bridal look one day to an avant-garde editorial look the next to blood and gore with special FX right after. I pride myself on being intentional with my clients. I love to create true relationships with them even if it’s only for a moment in time. I am so honored to be able to be apart of such a special time in their life. I think it’s more than doing hair and makeup, it’s about people. Loving others where they are at, listening to their hearts because weddings tend to bring out the best and worst in families at times, encouraging them with the little wisdom I have gained from my own life and marriage. I want my brand to be known for welcoming everyone no matter what walk of life they come from, that they will always have a place at my table whether to get glammed up or to go grab coffee and share their stories.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m actually decently new to the Houston area so I am still finding favorite spots and places I love. I do love venturing into the downtown Houston area though because there are so many cool vintage shops to check out, boutiques and cool places to grab something to eat or drink. One of my favorite spots I recently found though was Tiny’s Milk and Cookies.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have truly been blessed with so many amazing individuals that have come along side me in support. Aside from my husband, who is my biggest cheerleader, I have a team of incredibility talented artist who are more like family than friends. Codie Lepors, who is the owner of MakeupATX has been a huge part of my support system, my team and I honestly could’t have made it this far without her! Jenny Briner and Amie Pena are also two incredible artist and friends who have mentored me and supported me on my journey long before I started my own company. I am also blessed to have some pretty incredible relationships with wedding planners and photographers. Jazmine Leslie with Events by Leslie, Sara Roessler with Diletta Elaine Weddings, Juan and Rebekah Gonzalez, who are an insanely talented husband and wife video and photography team! I am so thankful for the relationships that I have built along the way and owe so much to these amazing individuals for all of their love and support!
Website: www.project-artistry.com
Instagram: @projectartistry
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/projectartistry
Image Credits
Rebekah Paul Photography Betsy Y. Photo Sydney Balusek Photography