Krystal Penny Bowen
Sep 8, 2018 · 5 min read

From Balancing Books to Makeup Brushes

Kamesha Gets Glammed Up

By Krystal Penny Bowen

Originally published in Barbados Advocate

This Crop Over season, one artistic young woman will have her work on display but it will not be in the way that you think. At age 32, Kamesha Atherley is not a costume designer but she is an artist. Using eye-popping nail applications and stunning eyeshadow and celebrity styled make-up, she is making a name for herself in the world of cosmetology.

Recently, the Barbados Advocate met Atherley who is a busy mother and entrepreneur of her business Get Glammed Artistry. Atherley explained that her present career path is quite different from the one she had before. A former student of the Christ Church Foundation School and a holder of a Barbados Community College Associate Degree in Accounting and Law, she entered the field of sales and finance.

A Love From Young

But Atherley from her teen years developed a special interest in cosmetology. It was a period of trial and error, self tutelage, research and the support and guidance of her mother. For the former account professional, she explained that what interests her most about the beauty industry is the satisfying and empowering feeling persons experience after being made-over.

“The sudden or even extra confidence boost you see in a client….and I know it happens because I myself have experienced that very same feeling times over. Its not to say that without makeup or any beauty accessories we don’t feel beautiful or empowered, its just the icing on the cake!,” said Atherley.

The up and coming cosmetologist said that she started started out playing around with drugstore make-up products on herself about six years ago. Atherley also started watching Youtube videos from tons of makeup gurus, artist and enthusiasts.

“I pulled different styles and techniques from each one and merged to form my own,” said Atherley.

Make-up is not her only specialty as she has become quite talented at nail art and nail application. A naturally artistic person, Atherley told the Barbados Advocate that growing up her mother will buy products and she would experiment.

“I remember drawing islands and cricket stumps on my nails. My love for nails grew and as I got older, I started going to a nail technician to get my nails done and I would always ask questions and watched closely at what was being done,” said Atherley.

From Hobby to Revenue

What initially began as a hobby soon turn into a money venture as Atherley started to get queries about her work. But Atherley was a bit reluctant to what was emerging as her special gift.

“Eventually people would ask how much would I charge to do their (nails) and I would quickly inform. that I just did them on myself for fun. It wasn’t until one of my mother’s co-workers begged me to do her nails and demanded that I charge her that I decided to start taking clients,” said Atherley.

A Boost Of Confidence

She confessed that when she started she never once had the intention of doing it professionally as it was just for her personal use. But being a first time, very hands on mom, it was a therapeutic way for Atherley to have some time for herself. Over time, Atherley kept practicing and improving her skills and the compliments kept coming from family and strangers.

“One morning I got up and I did what I felt at the time was the best makeup application I every did and my daughter (who by the way was and still continues to be very supportive and encouraging) came up to me and said “mommy you look amazing!”. That same day we went to the supermarket and. remember seeing this man watching me and it felt like everywhere I turned he was there, watching me. Eventually he came up to me and asked “who did your makeup?”. I was in shock because usually it would be women who would ask. He quickly explained he was an up and coming photographer and he needed an artist to “spruce up” the models for a promo shoot. My daughter’s encouraging words that morning along with a stranger’s approval, I then decided to take. the make-up further,” said Atherley.

Becoming a “MAC Girl”

Life has a way of opening doors of opportunity and for Atherley, there were a few events (which were not linked) that helped her to start her new career. She explained that some months after, a more established photographer reached out to her about collaborating with him for photo shoots. As a result, she gained “quite a bit of exposure” and expanded her clientele.

Then, she decided to apply for a job as a “Mac Girl” at Mac Cosmetics, Limegrove Lifestyle Centre. There, she gained significant experience and knowledge about the makeup industry and grew as an artist.

Building Her Brand

For Atherley, her main focus at present is to build her brand. With her background in sales, she understands the importance of being consistent and delivering the best services to her clients. For the Crop Over season, Atherley will be offering full glam make-up especially for Foreday Morning and Grand Kadooment.

“My motivation comes from seeing and hearing stories where we live in a world that far to often women lack confidence for so many reasons. Some will argue that you should not rely on a makeover or. a fresh set of manicured nails to feel confident. I will say this…every person’s situation is different, sometimes that one outfit/makeover/nail do can change their mood or entire outlook. If I can assist one person in this way, I have accomplished something!” said Atherley.

Balancing Motherhood and Business

In addition to her business, Atherley is a full-time single mother to her beautiful nine year old daughter, Sierra, her biggest supporter. As a young entrepreneur, there have been challenges however Atherley has been able to balance her life through family support and time management.

“Having a strong support system, prayers and determination got me through the most of my challenges especially in the times where I felt like things weren’t working out for the business,” said Atherley.

But personal and even financial challenges aside, Atherley is dreaming big and hopes one day to open her own studio in a couple of years. In fact, she said she has drawn inspiration from life’s obstacles.

“Fear and doubt also were challenges I had to personally overcome but I have learnt to trust God and constantly pray. I have also learnt to also remember to praise and show gratitude when things are going right and in discouraging times, push harder,” said Atherley.

Her advice to those who wish to take an untraditional path would be to go for it. She urged people not to let society or voices surrounding you tell “you can’t” or “it isn’t going to work out”. She emphasised that as long as you envision it and you are prepared to put in the necessary work, go for it. Additionally, Atherley knows that she is taking life as it comes to her.

“Always remember that the race is not for the swift but for those who can endure until the end,” said Atherley.

Krystal Penny Bowen

Written by

A woman of wonder, of dreams trying to make sense of this crazy world.