Makeup artist from Giyani bags big award

“I saw the advertisement for the competition but ignored it thinking it was only a promotion. Ntsoane, a photographer I once worked with, contacted me and encouraged me to enter. He thought that I had what it takes to win, so I entered on the last day before entries closed. Two days later I was shortlisted and the next thing I knew I was on my way to Sandton with an outfit sponsored by designer SirLomeo,” she said.

Kayla says she won a business kit worth R20 000 from Standard Bank. “I had the time of my life,” Kayla told the Herald. She taught herself the artistry of makeup and started by doing family and friends’ makeup. “I express myself through makeup, creative directing, and music. Growing up I knew that art was my life. My skills include special effects which enable me to work on film productions. “I started doing makeup formally in 2016 but prior to that, I used to do it for parties or when we went to church conferences. That is when I realised that I have talent.”

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She says she was still in primary school when instead of watching cartoons, she would watch fashion shows on television. “I liked to watch the unique and unusual makeup of the models. Later I started to visit my mom’s workplace at a local retail store. I used to run to the beauty section and try out the sample products. “In high school, I started doing make-up for friends and family. Then as more people started to ask me to do their makeup, I saw the bigger picture of a business opportunity. I taught myself the basics of special effects makeup from scratch,” she added.

During the lockdown, Kayla decided to take an online class for certification. Now she hosts her own online courses through a WhatsApp business account. She also gives one-on-one tutorial sessions. “One of my main goals in my business is to empower upcoming creatives. More than three of my students have successful businesses of their own.” Kayla has numerous film productions, the SABC radio awards ceremony, and music videos of musicians such as DJ Ganyani under her belt.

Kryolan Professional Makeup further recognised her as a professional artist. “Coming from a community that never saw a career in beauty as something feasible, I managed to show them through my passion and art that I can definitely use my brushes for a living and be an advocate for change through my makeup artistry which led to me being recognised by a big name like Standard Bank,” Kayla said. “I am grateful and want to share my knowledge with those that can benefit from it,” she concluded. WhatsApp her on 081 343 3000.