Exploring Life & Business with Reese Lee of The Powder Room Makeup & Skincare Studio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Reese Lee.

Hi Reese, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I got started doing makeup at my friend’s fashion show. She said, Reecie you do really good makeup on yourself. Do you mind doing makeup for my 1st fashion show. I said are you sure? Because I’ve never done makeup on anyone else except for myself. She said yes. The models loved their makeup. So that really started me doing makeup at other fashion shows here in the city.

The 18th street fashion show. The Kansas City Fashion Week. I started doing makeup out of my home. Took an eyebrow class from Damone Robert’s in Chicago. He spoke to me and said that I need to go get my Esthetician License and if I ever move to California. I would have a spot at his salon. So when I got back to Kansas City. I started school at Academy of Aesthetics in Shawnee, KS to get my Esthetician License. Before any of this, I was in school to be a Respiratory Therapist but I could not pass 1 of my classes and so I was kicked out of the program and just started getting into makeup more. I lost my mother to cancer in April 2011. So with everything I do, I do always give thanks to my Mom she was 53 when she passed and I was 23. I asked God to show me what my purpose is and I do believe he did just that.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It’s definitely been a smooth road and very enjoyable. I love doing makeup & skincare. The best part is meeting so many women from different backgrounds.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Powder Room Makeup & Skincare Studio?
I’m a Licensed Esthetician and Makeup Artist. I’ve been licensed for five years and have been doing makeup for 13 years since my early 20’s lol. I laugh because when ladies come in and I tell them this, they can’t believe how old I am because I look a lot younger. I started my business in December of 2016. I offer Full Body Waxing, Makeup, Facials, and Chemical Peels. I’m definitely known for my makeup skills. I specialize in Natural and Hollywood Glam makeup. I can do makeup on all skin types and nationalities. It’s only me at my studio. So a lot of clients are surprised that my portfolio is well diverse. I’m very much proud of my google rating. Right now, I have a 4.9 rating. When you are researching a business. You always look at the reviews and the rating of a business. I always want to give above and beyond customer service while showcasing the beauty in each client. I grew up much a tomboy so I definitely grew into being a girly girl. I know my clients. They want to be beautiful and yet natural without it looking cakey. I like to reassure them that I will give them exactly what they are looking for. I like to ask my clients, Do they have a specific look? Before I get started on their makeup. It opens up the conversation for me to get to know them a little better and what they like when it comes to makeup. While giving them the best service. When you book with The Powder Room, you will walk into a private suite just you (client) & me.

More than likely some r & b music will be playing. You will always be greeted with a warm smile and my positive energy. I’m so thankful I’ve had the opportunity to work with some big name people in my industry. New York Fashion Week 2016. The opportunity to work with Deborah Cox when she came to Kansas City for the Bodyguard Musical. I was with her doing makeup for “press day”. A few music videos I worked on doing makeup for Tech 9. Doing makeup for a show in ATL for Rapper Princess of Crime Mobb. My most recent artist I worked with was Rapper Mia Kodak for a show she did in Kansas City. My first agency I signed with was with Celebrity Hairstylist “Tippi Shorter” she has been such a great mentor and has helped me grow over the years in my creative space. Also, have to Thank Damone Robert’s the “eyebrow king” for telling me to go get my Esthetician License when I took his Master Eyebrow Class. Last year I won the Best Makeup Artist KCK 2020 award at the Kansas City People’s Choice Awards. I couldn’t have done that without my community and clients who voted for me.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I love about Kansas City is that it’s definitely a place to settle down and raise a family. I’m very close to my family and family is really important to me.

Contact Info:

• Email: Thepowderroomkc@gmail.com
• Website: thepowderroomkc.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/makeupartist_reese
• Facebook: The Powder Room Makeup & Skincare Studio
• Youtube: The Powder Room Makeup & Skincare Studio

Image Credits
Carter Gaskin (photographer) on the model picture #5