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

Hi Kira, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I chose an artistic career because creativity is a fundamental part of who I am. What I create is an extension of myself—it’s a way for me to express the emotions, ideas, and visions I hold inside. There’s a feeling that comes with bringing something to life through makeup and artistry that’s hard to describe. It’s a deep joy, almost like a form of self-expression that allows me to shine. Every project, every brushstroke, brings me immense satisfaction and truly fuels my passion. Being a part of this industry gives me the freedom to channel that joy into something tangible that connects with others.

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.
What sets me apart from others is the fact that I don’t believe in being bound by limitations. I’m constantly learning, and always striving to improve my craft. I don’t claim to know it all, but I’m committed to growing every step of the way. One of the things I’m most proud of is knowing that I could look back at my younger self and tell her, ‘You did it. You chased your dreams and turned them into reality.’

Getting to where I am today wasn’t easy, and I’m still working hard every day. There have been struggles, like leaving my family in Ohio, but I took it one step at a time, one day at a time. What I’ve learned through all of this is that letting fear—whether it’s the fear of failure or change—control you only holds you back. But having faith in yourself? That’s what gets you everything. I still face challenges, like any artist does, but I believe they’re a part of the process, not something to shy away from.

What I want the world to know about me and my work is that it’s never just about me—it’s about collaboration and creating something that inspires others. Just like how we’ve all been inspired by movies and TV, I want to be a part of that magic, bringing stories to life through the art I love.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting and I wanted to show them the best time ever, I’d start with some classic tourist spots like Universal Studios. We’d check out the old movie sets and immerse ourselves in the magic of the film industry. But I’d also want to show them a more local side of things—like Hermosa Beach. It’s such a great spot to relax and take in the beach vibes. If I happened to be working on a set that week, I’d bring them along to see what it’s like in the world I love so much.

We’d make sure to eat our way through the city, hitting up all the best restaurants, and exploring the variety of unique cuisines that LA has to offer. For a fun night out, I’d take them to a live show at the Greek Theatre—it’s an iconic venue that’s perfect for soaking in some amazing live music. And of course, no trip to LA would be complete without a West Hollywood bar crawl. We’d check out the hottest spots, maybe discover a hidden gem or two, and just have a great time soaking up the nightlife. It would be an unforgettable week of food, fun, and memories

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?
I want to dedicate this shoutout to my dad, who has been my biggest supporter and always encouraged me to ‘reach for the stars,’ as he would say. His belief in me and his light helped fuel my passion and desire to pursue something that truly made me happy. He taught me the value of hard work and how to savor every moment. I also want to express my deep gratitude to my mother and brothers. Their unwavering love, support, and consent allowed me to chase after my dreams without hesitation. I could never have made it this far without them standing beside me every step of the way.

Website: https://www.makeupbykirastansberry.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kira_stans/?hl=en

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MystiqueandIllusions

Image Credits
Models: Kendyl Blau, Angelica Morgan, and Olivia Neuhaus
Shop Work: Unit 70 Studios
Photo Credit: Jackie Parra and Mike Spatola

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.