Mimi Kamara, a New York-based traveling makeup artist with master experience in fashion, editorial, and television, redefines beauty with an unconventional skin-focused approach.

The Philadelphia native, who holds a degree in Liberal Arts & Psychology from Temple University, started her career in 2006 with stints at M·A·C and Dior Cosmetics before taking the leap to work as an independent makeup artist.Kamara received the ultimate cosign in compliment from makeup guru Path McGrath in 2018 – after she praised her long-time client, television personality Bevy Smith, at the Met Gala that year for how amazingly flawless her face beat was on the red carpet. That applause stirred a fire in her ambition to surge with vigor and tenacity. A lip gloss line of her very own is currently in production and Mimi continues to push creative boundaries through her constant pursuit of the “why” behind each application. Her artistry serves as the final transformation to a constant evolution.

For those who do not know you, who is Mimi Kamara?

Mimi Kamara is a very passionate human being who just happens to be a makeup artist.

Makeup is your passion and artistry. At what point in your life did you decide that this was the expedition you needed to take?

I don’t think I chose makeup; makeup chose me! I went to school for psychology, yet I was always into fashion. I was that friend who always offered my friends makeovers and style advice. Upon my senior year in college – as I began to apply for graduate schools – my best friend alluded that I should take a makeup career seriously. So I started freelancing for M·A·C Cosmetics in my hometown of Philadelphia. My story isn’t that I went seeking it. It literally found me.

What skill sets do you need to procure to become a sought-after makeup artist, in your opinion?

In my opinion, the skillsets you need to have to become a sought-after makeup artist have nothing to do with makeup itself. I think first, it has everything to do with integrity, and second, how you make people feel. People will never, ever, ever forget how you make them feel and pour into them. These are major keys.

What is your process for making a first-time client feel comfortable in your chair?

That’s a good question. If I have never worked with a client before, my process for making a client feel comfortable in my chair would be as follows: making sure my makeup kit is prepared and I have everything I need – researching the client and how her makeup was previously worn or how she typically likes to wear her makeup; getting a sense of the client’s comfort zone. A major key for me is prayer when working with a new client to insure comfortability. I say to myself:

“God bless my hands, let whatever my purpose is and interaction with this client shine through. I know my works is deeper than the actual makeup- if I am led to pray for and over this client in anyway shape or form, lead me to that and expose it. – Let your glory show.”

This is quite frankly how I get prepared. This is also my practice with clients I’ve known and worked with for a very long time. I find that when you work with a huge celebrity or a regular paying client that can afford my rate, I’m dealing with an individual that is operating under a ton of pressure. My idea is to always shift the atmosphere and focus on pouring into that customer while I am with them and long after my job is complete.

If a client asks for a look that is unsuitable for them, how do you persuade them in a different direction?

That’s a good question! The first thing that I do is think about all the times I did not speak up, and how bad it turned out! That fuels me speaking up. If they ask for an unsuitable look, my discernment will take over and I am able to share: “This does not look like you, and you have me here to have you show up as your best self.”

What excites you more, backstage at fashion shows, behind the scenes at tv shows with your celebrity clients, or just being one on one with your everyday clients?

If I had to choose…I would say I love the one-on-one client relationship the most. I love fashion week and television, but I have learned over time that one of my gifts is working in a very intimate setting. When I am one-on- one, it’s quiet, and I do not have the outside energies interfering with what’s happening in front of me….not in the sense of opinions, but more like outside energies that may not be conducive for my client.

How important is the Black Makeup Artist to the fashion industry?

There is no fashion industry without the Black MUA! Period. That’ s how important it is. Period.

Two words: Pat McGrath. What comes to mind and why?

Easing the pain for others.

I can only imagine the silent cries, pain, and racism she’s had to endure to make it okay for myself and others to set foot on stages and in places to create and get paid our deserving rates. I can only imagine what she’s had to endure to ensure that the Black Makeup Artist be normalized.

What has been the secret to your success in the beauty industry?

Trusting God has been the secret sauce to my success. With that, I know that it is impossible for me to miss. Everything is divine timing.

If a client sat in your chair and proclaimed that they “googled you,”what would you hope that they would find out about Mimi Kamara?

That I am a God-fearing woman who customizes an experience with quality and positive energy, and that I love what I do. That combination is all you need. I serve with trust and integrity. For example, I have been in a situation where I was hired for a gig and my client had to rush out, and I’m in a multi-million-dollar New York penthouse. That client didn’t have to worry about leaving me there. The client never had to ponder: “Omg, I just met this woman, I had to quickly run out, and I literally left her in my million-dollar estate.”

If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be?

Integral.

IG:@mimikamara

WEB:www.mimikamara.com