We recently had the opportunity to collaborate with Tiktok-Viral, Michigan-based Makeup Artist Kendra Matthies. With an incredible following (over 659,000 followers at the time of this interview!) and over 32 million likes on her Tiktok profile, we know you’ve seen at least one of her binge worthy storytimes or fabulous makeovers. We sat down with Kendra to learn more about her and her passion for bridal transformations!
You can check out or Tiktok collaborations with Kendra at her Tiktok page, or our page!
The Dress Shop Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your journey as a Makeup Artist?
Kendra Matthies Well this is how it all started. When I was young I had a family friend who used to watch me that sold MaryKay so she always had those little mini lipstick and papers with eyeshadows on them. She would let me do her makeup and I loved to do it because it made her so happy. I did her makeup even when she had gotten cancer and eventually MS. I loved how happy it made her. After she passed I started watching a LOT of YouTube videos (mostly Blair and Elle Fowler) and I got really into makeup. Like 13 years old and having 14 drawers of makeup! Time went on and I was always doing friend’s and family’s makeup for fun and their events. I loved how it made people feel so happy! A week after high school graduation I started school called Multimedia Makeup Academy. I went into their bridal/commercial program and after about two years I graduated from there and was on my way into the real world! It started slow, just a few people who knew me from high school, but then it just exploded! Once I took my first wedding and had gotten a good review and some pictures the weddings just poured in. I am so blessed that I am constantly booked for weddings, photoshoot, and special events. I am also an esthetician so I am so happy to do facials, lash, and brow services to make even more people feel beautiful! In addition I also share makeup tips, funny stories, and more on my TikTok page with over 650,000 of my friends!
TDS What do you love about doing bridal makeup?
KM Bridal makeup is so much different than just someone getting their makeup done. It’s doing makeup for someone who has looked forward to this moment for their entire lives and I get to be a part of this special day. I can’t even begin to describe the joy this job brings me. My favorite moment has to be when the bride first sees themself all made up and you can just the sparkle in their eyes and I know that I helped to make them feel beautiful. That’s why I love this job.
TDS How has Tiktok & Social Media impacted your career?
KM TikTok has totally thrown me for a loop! I have completely been overwhelmed with support and inquiries about my makeup services! People offering to have me travel out of state, booking a year in advance, and completely changing how I view myself in this career. I realize because of TikTok my true value and it has pushed me to be a better artist! I’m so thankful everyday!
TDS How does a bride’s makeup look affect her overall bridal look?
KM To me, the first thing you notice about someone is their face. A good makeup look should enhance a bride’s features. Maybe that’s adding some shimmer and winged liner to make their eyes pop. Maybe that’s perfecting that lit from within glow to capture the love and light they’re feeling on the inside on that day! Paired with the perfect dress, hair, and accessories, a good bridal makeup look should make everyone say “Wow”!
TDS How far in advance should a bride book you for her wedding?
KM Currently I am fully booked for 2022. I will be opening my books for 2023 around April of next year. Usually a good time to book with me is between 6-8 months out from the wedding. I would say typical industry standard would be 4-6 months if you are just a curious bride wondering when to book out a makeup artist.
I would love to say a big thank you to The Dress Shop for this interview! Also, a big thank you to everyone who has supported me and continues to support me in my career!
(We love you, Kendra!)
You can find me at my shop “Makeup by Kendra Leigh” in Owosso, MI. You can also follow me online at:
Facebook: @itskendraleigh or @makeupbykendraleigh
Instagram: @kendramatthies or @makeup_by_kendra_leigh
