“Makeup is not a mask. Makeup is art. Makeup is passion. Makeup is an expression. Just have fun. Smile. And keep putting on lipstick.” (–Anonymous)

Meet Winthrop IMC (Integrated Marketing Communications) major, senior and makeup artist Nykia McKenzie.

Since her sophomore year at Winthrop, McKenzie has been passionate about beauty and makeup. It wasn’t until her junior year that she made the choice to start her business KKB Makeup Artistry. Soon to earn her degree in December she plans to work hard within her field of marketing and public relations with one of many goals in mind: to work with Essence Magazine or Estee Lauder. At 22, McKenzie has been able to do the makeup of college grads, campus chapter pageant contestants, and so much more.

Check out her Q/A below:

Shakora Bamberg: Tell me a little bit about yourself. What do you want people to know about you?

Nykia McKenzie: I’m just a small town girl with big goals and aspirations. I love makeup, marketing, magazines, and I am an advocate for pursuing your passion. My favorite color is yellow, and I love collecting sunglasses. If you ask someone about me they’d say Nykia is very friendly, loyal and an all-around down to earth person.

I’d say I’m a little shy but I love to have a good time and meet new people every day. My ultimate goals are to work in public relations and marketing for Essence Magazine or Estee Lauder Inc. I live each day by Jeremiah 29:11, and I believe that happiness is like oxygen; it’s needed to live, so do what makes you happy. I’m big on family values, hard work and truly expressing yourself. If I had to describe myself in one word it would be ambitious.

SB: How does it feel to be a businesswoman in college?

NM: To start your own business in college it means you’re a go-getter, hustler and courageous. It means you had a vision, and you did whatever it took to get it off the ground, even if that meant countless planning, sleepless nights and never ending prayer, you did it!

SB: During your time in college, what led to your decision of KKB Makeup Artistry?

NM: This decision to start KKB Makeup Artistry started my junior year after figuring out my passion for beauty my sophomore year in college. I was amazed by the power of makeup and quickly became a makeup enthusiast. Enthusiasm turned into a hobby, and a hobby turned into a skill, which turned into a job. I love my job, and I love seeing other beautiful woman enhance their beauty because of my skill.

SB: How did you gain clientele for your makeup business?

NM: Social media, definitely and supportive friends!

SB: When do you do your best work as it relates to your business?

NM: Because I am in the field of makeup artistry, I can never half do a job. I do my best work all the time, because I know someone is depending on me to make them feel and look special for their occasion. Also, I have to do my best work at all times because in this industry, your past work does reflect your future.

SB: Tell me about your role at Winthrop; this includes any leadership roles, awards, recognition, and positions you currently hold or had recently within your major or on campus in general.

NM: I am currently the advertising manager for The Johnsonian weekly newspaper.

SB: How does your major tie into your business venture?

NM: My major is all about how you sell yourself, a client, or product. As an IMC major, I’ve learned so much about marketing and advertising that has helped my business more than if I wouldn’t have known at all. I am my business so knowing about any competition, new trends, new technology is very important. Marketing changes every day, and my major helps me know what to do and when to do it not only for my business, but in the future for my career into the beauty industry as well.

SB: What opportunities have you gained as a result of KKB Makeup Artistry?

NM: I have had the pleasure of working alongside celebrity MUA Yanneek Brinson, I’ve also been a vendor and spoke at a women’s empowerment program. Working for Brinson doing makeup for weddings and learning his technique helped me a lot.

The best opportunity has definitely been the networking and people that tell me they love my work, and that I inspire them and teach them about makeup and beauty. I don’t think I could ever get use to that, it humbles me every day.

SB: What advice can you give to college students who are interested in starting a business? What advice would you give to a young woman entering the same work profession as you?

NM: Go for it! The only thing stopping you is you, and it is better to learn and grow from each experience. Worry less and put the “what-ifs” aside. Also, find what sets you apart from other makeup artist and SLAY.

SB: What do you do to get better at your craft? How would you like to expand your business?

NM: I love watching YouTube tutorials, keeping up with my favorite makeup artists and simply practicing.

I would love to start going to more networking events to get my name out there beyond the college campus. If anyone is interested in booking me for an event contact me via social media or email at: kkb.mua@gmail.com

SB: What network and social events have you attended to market your company? Do you plan to do this in the future?

NM: CCE Speed Networking, Be You Be Beautiful Empowerment Event, Lean In, and Black Girls Rock WU. Yes, I always look for opportunities to network and grow my business.

SB: Who is your role model, and what are your career goals, short and long-term?

NM: My role model is my mother, Sonia McKenzie. I plan to work in the beauty industry doing marketing or public relations. As far as my makeup career, I would love to travel and do wedding artistry on the side.

Long term, I’d like to be a marketing chief for a major cosmetic company.

SB: “Makeup is self-confidence applied directly to the face.” (-- Anonymous)