#BakingBeauty: How NAHA Winner Katie Nash Finds Confidence Through Her Work

03/31/2020

With all of the COVID-19 related anxiety and uncertainty, The Tease is bringing you uplifting stories from women who are #MakingHairstory, #BakingBeauty and #DoingItForTheCultuHer. Learn how these influential women are breaking barriers, disrupting their industries and empowering others to do the same all month long.

Katie Nash is a makeup artist, esthetician and lash extension expert. After following her dream of getting a Cosmetology license, Nash realized her love for skincare, went back to school and became a licensed Esthetician. As NAHA’s 2020 Makeup Artist of the Year, and winner of the International Beauty Industry Makeup Artist of the Year Non-Pro award, Nash’s talent is unmatched. Her artistry can be found in her home state of Kansas, where she works at the Everyday Beaut salon. 

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We had the chance to talk to Nash about transitioning her career and how she’s remained positive through it all.

The Tease: How did you get started in the beauty industry?

Katie Nash: Makeup is what originally led me into this industry. In 2016, I started watching YouTube videos on how to do different makeup looks. I started practicing these looks/techniques on myself every night. Before I would go to bed, I would pull up a video that I liked, and would practice that look a couple times. In 2017, I decided to enroll into cosmetology school. During that process, I knew for my career I wanted to focus more on skincare and makeup. After getting my Cosmetology license in 2018, I enrolled later that year for Esthetics and became dual licensed in October 2019. 

How would you describe your relationship to beauty?

I feel as if I have a very personal relationship to beauty because it has helped me grow as a person. Before, I was so insecure that putting on a full face of makeup before leaving my house was a must, because it’s what gave me confidence. Since being in the skincare industry, I have learned the proper way of how to take care of my skin and lashes. Now, I am more confident to go out without any makeup. 

Women are often discouraged from sharing their accomplishments, but we want to hear about them. List some of your career highlights. What are you most proud of?

Becoming dual licensed was a very big accomplishment to me because it was 2 years of hard work and studying that finally came together. I studied Esthetics at Eric Fisher Academy. During that time, I had the opportunity to collaborate with Eric Fisher and shoot 4 different makeup looks. Each one of those ended up winning a beauty award. One look won an International Beauty Industry Makeup Artist of the Year Non-Pro Award, and the other 3 were entered as a collection, for which I won the 2020 NAHA Makeup Artist of the Year. 

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What are the biggest challenges you have experienced within the industry and how did you overcome them?

I think my biggest challenge is being a perfectionist. I was having a hard time sleeping at night because I would go back through photos and I would absolutely pick it apart. To help overcome it, I tell myself that this is how I learn and become a better esthetician and makeup artist.  I just care so much for clients and want them to be as happy with their services as possible. 

What are the biggest lessons you’ve learned throughout your career?

To listen to your cheerleaders, and never take anyone’s support for granted. This is a tough industry, people can be mean, so try to not to let it affect you and focus on positivity. 

Are there any women in the industry who inspire you or your work? If so, who?

I am blessed to work at one of the best salons in the city called Everyday Beaut. I am so inspired by the women who I work alongside day-to-day as well as our clients. Someone who inspires me within the makeup world is Danessa Myricks. I have never had the pleasure of meeting her, but I absolutely love the content she publishes. She’s also always giving good advice for newcomers like myself.

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Do you have any words of wisdom for other women within the beauty industry?

Don’t let anyone make you insecure; believe in yourself. Make someone else’s negative comments your fuel. Several years ago, I had someone make fun of me for putting “#mua” on one of Instagram posts and now I’m NAHA’s Makeup Artist of the Year. With hard work and dedication, anything is possible. 

What’s next for you?

One of my dreams is to go to New York and do makeup for fashion week, so I am always hunting for a company to collaborate with. I will also be entering new work into competitions this year, so stay tuned in for some fun looks! 

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