We had the good fortune of connecting with Kayla Jenae and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kayla, how do you think about risk?
While many people shy away from taking risks, I look at it as a gateway to success. I am a firm believer in “you can’t score if you don’t shoot”. As humans, we often look at our long-term goals and aspirations as a fantasy, rather than a future. The truth is, your life is what you make it. You never know until you try! I wouldn’t be the ambitious young woman I am today if it weren’t for taking risks. When I was 18, I graduated high school early and turned down a free ride to college. I was obsessed with the idea of working in the beauty industry as a makeup artist and I knew I didn’t want to take the traditional college route. Instead, I took a leap of faith, and applied for a position at a salon just 10 minutes away from where I lived. No portfolio, no clientele, and no previous salon experience; Just a girl from Chicago with passion and raw talent. I did a demo and was hired immediately. Fast forward 3 years, I’ve completed cosmetology school, I now do hair as well, I’m working in one of the wealthiest areas in the Texas, and launching my very own cosmetic brand! All because I wasn’t afraid to take a chance.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am 21 years old, and I’ve been doing makeup since I was 15. As I stated before, I landed my first professional job at 18. I was living in Dallas at the time, and started taking professional makeup classes. I moved to Houston when I was 19. By that time, I decided I wanted my full cosmetology license, but had no plans of doing hair. I attended Paul Mitchell The School of Houston for Cosmetology. Due to Covid, I wasn’t able to find immediate work. I was only getting private makeup gigs here and there. Finally, in early 2021, I found a position as a hairstylist and decided to go for it. I was hired immediately at Blow Dry Bar Houston and I’ve been working there for almost a year! I do both hair and makeup now and I couldn’t be more happy. Aside from my day job, I decided to start my own business. I have a cosmetic line that will be launching in my boutique at the end of January 2022. My boutique will have apparel for men and women, cruelty-free makeup, press-on nails, and more!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m an introvert, so I rarely go out. I love Mexican food and Margaritas though, so if you’re into that I’d recommend Little Pappasito’s or Lupe Tortilla. As far as bars and clubs, I’m lost. I’d say go Downtown.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to shoutout my mama. She’s my rock and the reason I fell in love with beauty. She taught me how to do my makeup when I was 13, and since then has always supported my dream of becoming a professional makeup artist. She’s a nail tech, so she understands my passion for making others feel good. My mama is my #1 cheerleader and it feels good to make her proud. Also my gramma, and aunt Stephanie. They helped get me through cosmetology school and invested in my business. Their support means the world to me.

Website: Styleseat.com/thepurrrfectionist

Instagram: Instagram.com/ThePurrrfectionist

Facebook: Kayla Jenae

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