Zaria Griffith (left) and Kayley S. Easter (right) showcase their makeup skills at the Black Excellence event. Jasmine Franklin/The Gramblinite
Kaley S. Easter. Courtesy photo
For so many black women, shopping for makeup can be arduous and tiresome.
Luckily, companies are now providing a larger variety of products to accommodate those with melanin. Although Maybelline and MAC have a wide range of cosmetics, black women have created their own lane of beauty to serve all shades of Blackness.
The success of pop stars Rihanna’s ‘Fenty Beauty’ and Supa Cent’s ‘Crayon Case’ has led Shreveport native Kaley S. Easter to turn her passion into an ideal hustle.
Easter’s hustle began early in high school.
“I would do my friends makeup and developed a passion for the makeup industry,” Easter said. “With the help of YouTube influencers AaliyahJay, PrettyPCollins, and Kiki Adams, she gained knowledge about makeup, establishing a nice clientele. They inspired me to pursue a career in the beauty industry.”
But things weren’t as posh for Easter. When Easter entered Grambling, she was in a grey cloud.
“I doubted myself because I wasn’t sure my creative skills going to the next level,” Easter said. “I know how critical women can be about other people makeup. However, Instagram and word of mouth have helped me gained loyal clients from Lincoln Parish to Ouachita Parish. I regret doubting myself and my customers. I am very appreciative of the support here at Grambling.”
To get through each day, Easter reads mantras to set a reminder about having a positive mindset.
“Keep working hard and you can get anything that you want,” Easter said. “If God gave you the talent, you should go for it. But don’t think it’s going to be easy. It’s hard! I find this quote significant because God has blessed me with the ability to bring out the beauty in others. Don’t get me wrong. There are some days where I have monotonous moments but I know it’s the enemy trying to take me in a dark space. At the end of the day, the process is not easy. It takes perfect practice and dedication.”
Through hard work, Easter was able to form her own makeup palette from the ground up called “The KaySteeezy Collection.” She hopes to collaborate with rapper Cardi B.
“Her personality seems dope and genuine and it seems like it would be a fun experience to be around and work with her,” Easter said. “I know she would take me to the next level as a makeup artist!”
Easter is in the works of giving makeup tutorials to teach ladies how to achieve a flawless look.
“I would also like to host beauty events on campus to give more beauty specialists exposure on campus,” Easter said. “I want to help other women on campus to grow. I would like to learn something new as well. I hope to inspire others to chase after their dreams.”
If you have any inquiries about booking an appointment or to learn more about Easter, visit her Instagram @KaleyKayFaces or book online at Kaleykayfaces.setmore.com.
To purchase Easter’s makeup palette, visit TheKaysteeezycollection.bigcartel.