Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Harrelson Smith.
Kayla, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
It all started about 10 years ago when I was deep into show choir in college. I had always loved everything beauty-related, so I asked if I could do the makeup for our show choir performances—and that’s where my love for makeup truly began.
After college, I moved to Kansas City and connected with a local makeup artist who was looking to add new artists to her team. At the time, I didn’t even have my own kit, but my team owner, Melissa Chesnut of Naturally You Artistry, had an incredible way of teaching new artists and allowing them to use her kit while building their own. Over the next two years, I slowly invested in my kit, refined my skills, and eventually earned the title of Lead Artist.
Now, I’m fortunate to do around 40–50 weddings each year and help hundreds of people feel confident, beautiful, and celebrated on some of the most important days of their lives.
But my love for beauty doesn’t stop there. My husband and I are always dreaming up new ideas and wanted to create something truly special—an experience that would leave lasting memories while incorporating all of my favorite things: manicures, pedicures, makeup, and hair styling. That dream became a reality when we decided to renovate a box truck into a mobile kids’ spa. With the incredible help of my husband’s brother, who completed the full remodel, the truck was transformed into something even more amazing than we imagined.
Now you’ll find me making brides feel beautiful in the morning—and driving to a birthday party in the afternoon in my glam van. And honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Have I faced obstacles along the way? Absolutely.
In makeup, the biggest challenge at the beginning was starting from scratch. I didn’t have a kit, years of experience, or a big portfolio—just passion and a willingness to learn. Building my kit took time, money, and patience. Confidence didn’t come overnight either; earning trust from brides, refining my skills, and learning how to handle high-pressure wedding mornings was something that only came with experience. There were early mornings, long days, and moments of self-doubt—but every wedding and every client helped shape me into the artist I am today.
With Kay’s Glam Van, the obstacles looked a little different. Turning an idea into a fully functioning mobile kids’ spa came with unexpected challenges— learning logistics, budgeting, licensing, and figuring out how to operate a business on wheels. There were moments where the process felt overwhelming, and times we had to pivot or problem-solve on the fly.
But every obstacle pushed me to grow. They taught me resilience, creativity, and the importance of surrounding myself with supportive people. Speaking of those supportive people, Kay’s Glam Van wouldn’t be what it is without my husband, Jeremy. From helping with costs and resources to constantly sharing ideas and encouragement, he’s been my biggest supporter. I’m so lucky to build dreams alongside him.
Those challenges however, didn’t slow me down—they refined the vision. Today, I’m proud of how far both journeys have come, and I know the obstacles were necessary stepping stones to get here.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
When it comes to makeup, I specialize in natural to soft glam looks. On a wedding day, many women simply want to feel like themselves. They want to know the artist they chose will truly listen, understand their vision, and curate a look that feels like the perfect amount of makeup—never too much, always just right.
Whether that means a fresh tinted moisturizer or a full beat, my goal is always the same: to help the bride feel like herself, just elevated.
What I’m most proud of is my growth as an artist. Ten years in the industry, and I’m still learning something new or discovering a new technique every single day. I want my clients to feel confident knowing that no matter the look, skin type, or skin tone, I can accommodate their requests and tailor each application specifically to them.
Continuing to learn, evolve, and enhance my skills is what truly sets me apart. I never want to stop growing—and I never want to stop working toward being the best artist I can be.
Kay’s Glam Van is more than just a party—it’s an experience. What sets it apart is the attention to detail and the intention behind every service. From manicures and pedicures to makeup and hair styling, each party is thoughtfully curated to make kids feel confident, celebrated, and special in an age-appropriate way.
As a professional makeup artist with over 10 years of experience, I bring the same care, patience, and listening skills I use with my brides into every glam van event. Every child is treated like a VIP, and every experience is tailored to their personality and style.
What I’m most proud of is seeing kids light up when they step inside the van. Watching their confidence grow and knowing we’re creating memories that last far beyond the party is what makes Kay’s Glam Van truly special.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I’m a reader to my core and truly believe reading fuels both my confidence and creativity. Alongside running two businesses—as a makeup artist and the owner of Kay’s Glam Van—I also work full time as a business development and marketing representative for a local Kansas City Title company. My day-to-day revolves around networking, building relationships, and connecting with real estate professionals, so communication is everything.
One of the most impactful books I’ve read for both life and work is 92 Ways to Talk to Anyone by Leil Lowndes. It’s a self-help and communication book that focuses on improving conversation skills, confidence, and connection in everyday interactions. As someone who quite literally talks for a living, understanding social cues and effective communication tactics is essential—and this book has been a game changer.
I also lean into TikTok (who doesn’t?) as a learning tool. It’s one of the best ways to stay current on makeup trends and new products, and with so many talented creators sharing tutorials, it’s an easy and accessible way to continue learning, refining techniques, and perfecting my craft.
Education in any career is vital to growth, not just professionally, but personally as well. It shapes us as individuals, employees, spouses, friends, etc. True success comes from never believing you are too good to learn something new from others.
Pricing:
- Bridal Makeup $125
- Bridal Party Makeup $100
- Kay’s glam van $450 and up
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Kaysglamvan.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaysglamvan?igsh=MWwydDR5YmYyMmN0dA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1677WADsnW/?mibextid=wwXIfr
