Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly Pierce.
Hi Kimberly, 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’ve loved makeup for as long as I can remember. One of my earliest memories is watching my grandma put on her lipstick, and I was completely fascinated. When I went to college at Emporia State University, I majored in Theatre, which happened to be one of the few programs that included makeup training. I already loved theatre, so it was a natural fit. It also gave me the opportunity to work with hair and wigs, so I was able to develop a broader foundation in theatrical hair and makeup.
Over time I realized I wanted to take that passion further and work more directly with people, so I went back to school to become a licensed esthetician. That allowed me to combine makeup artistry with skincare and build a career that blends both creativity and results-driven treatments.
Today I own The Piercing Beauty, my studio in downtown Kansas City, where I provide professional makeup services along with advanced skincare treatments like thermolysis. It’s been really rewarding to turn something I’ve loved my whole life into a business where I get to help people feel confident and cared for.
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?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. Like many small business owners, a lot of the challenges have come with building something from the ground up. Learning the business side of things like marketing, finances, and managing growth was a big adjustment compared to the creative work I was originally trained in.
There’s also the challenge of wearing so many hats. As a solo business owner I’m not just the service provider. I’m also the marketer, the bookkeeper, the cleaner, the inventory manager, and the maintenance crew. It can be a lot to juggle, but it’s also helped me grow and become more confident as a business owner.
That said, those challenges have also been really rewarding. Every step has helped shape the business into what it is today and made me more resilient and intentional about how I run it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My work sits at the intersection of makeup artistry and advanced skincare. I provide professional makeup for weddings, photoshoots, film, and special events, along with results-focused skincare services like thermolysis and dermaplaning. I love being able to combine the artistic side of makeup with the science and problem-solving of skincare. I have also discovered a love of lash lifts and tints that is fueling my constant hunger for education.
My theatre background also gave me experience with more technical and creative work like editorial looks, character makeup, and working with hair and wigs. It taught me to think about lighting, texture, and how makeup reads on camera, which has been incredibly valuable in my work.
What I’m most proud of is building The Piercing Beauty into a studio where clients feel truly cared for. I focus on creating a personalized experience so every client feels comfortable, listened to, and confident when they leave.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Most people know me through skincare and makeup, but they might not realize how big of a theatre nerd I am. I love musicals and anything stage related. I’m also usually working on some kind of creative project at home, like crocheting. I guess I’m happiest when I’m making something.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thepiercingbeauty.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepiercingbeauty/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepiercingbeauty
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thepiercingbeauty/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-piercing-beauty-kansas-city?osq=the+piercing+beauty&override_cta=Request+an+appointment
