Meet Kira Nalani: Hair and Makeup Artist, and Esthetician

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

Hi Kira, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
“Makeup enhances your features, but does not create your beauty.” I once told a client this as I was doing her makeup for her wedding day, as she was not feeling confident about herself looking good in the photos, and it really stuck with me. Understanding that your purpose is to enhance what is already there is really important for all aspects in the beauty industry. I love my job because I get to make people realize their beauty and gain confidence they might not have otherwise had. When you look good, you feel good, and that translates into everything you do – it’s not about vanity, but simple psychology. Telling this quote to my clients always helps them realize that I cannot create their beauty, that I am just enhancing what is already theirs.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I like to be known as a jack of all trades – I want my clients to be able to come to me for any types of services! Not only do I do hair and makeup professionally, but I am also an esthetician who does paramedical skin treatments, microblading, lash extensions, teeth whitening, and full body waxing! I take pride in being the best I can be and always continuing my education. Being a young makeup artist required a lot of hard work to gain trust from others – something that definitely slowed my progress along the way – but it is really great to know that I have been working towards where I am now for 8 years and am way ahead of the game compared to the other people my age who are still figuring out what their plans for their life are. I had to lie about my age more than I would like to admit, work 7 days a week with 12 hour days, and work countless hours for free to build trust and a portfolio of my work. I tell every little boy and little girl I meet that they are never to young to jumpstart their passions. People will judge you for your age or lack of experience and you just have to push past and show you have what it takes. You will be fulfilled, happy, and impress everyone around you, but most importantly, you will be able to live off of something you really love.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I actually just moved to Encino, in the San Fernando Valley part of Los Angeles, right off of Ventura Boulevard, which is the vein of the city. It has everything you could imagine – restaurants with Michelin stars, shopping, and lots of quirky boutiques and tattoo shops, so I would probably start there. Of course there is a lot to see and do in Los Angeles so the possibilities are endless! The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My dad supported me from the beginning of my makeup career, from doing my first wedding makeup at just 11 years old, to becoming a certified makeup artist at just 15 years old. My dad helped me switch to online high school which allowed me to start working on sets at a very young age, starting at 13! Because of him, I am a 21 year old with a degree, license, business, and full clientele who is also the head hair and makeup artist of a premier family and maternity company in Los Angeles – I would not have been able to get this far this quickly without being able to start so early.

Website: kiranalaniartistry.net

Instagram: instagram.com/kiranalaniartistry

Yelp: Yelp.com/kiranalaniartistry

Image Credits
Lori Dorman Photography – newborn shoot picture, maternity picture Barry Druxman Photography – Beauty shot with pink background