Story & Lesson Highlights with Audra Ashlee of Downtown KC

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Audra Ashlee. Check out our conversation below.

Audra, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I had my daughter Evie on June 13th and have been in heaven ever since. She’s the sweetest little thing and we are all so in love with her. My 5 year old son Forest has become the best big brother and we are so proud.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a professional makeup artist based in Kansas City. I specialize in bridal and event makeup. My most requested makeup style is soft glam. I like makeup that photographs beautifully but doesn’t feel heavy and lasts all day. I’ve been in the beauty industry my entire working life and a pro for over a decade now. I’m beyond privileged to say I truly love what I do. Having the trust of my clients to help them look and feel their best on some of the most important days of their lives is such an honor. I pride myself in being able to work with any skin type and skin tone. It’s so important to me that my makeup chair is a safe space for all!

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
I grew up in a little bubble that is the suburbs of Southern California. Moving to Kansas City changed my perspective for the better. My first job as a professional makeup artist, I worked at the Country Club Plaza, a shopping and dining center that people from all over come to visit. This allowed me to work with clients who come from so many different backgrounds so I could master my skills and gain massive perspective. I’ve now been here for 16 years and I’m so proud to live in a city that is a wonderful melting pot of so many different cultures

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
Like so many others, the fear of failure and what others think of me held me back so much in my early life. I was so concerned with how I’d be perceived,
that I allowed many opportunities to pass me by. Experience gives us so much perspective but I wish I could go back and give my younger self the confidence I have now. Who knows where I’d be in life if I could. We can only live and learn but I always encourage my younger sisters and other young people to go for it. If you don’t succeed, that may not be meant for you but something else will be. What others think of you doesn’t matter in the end once you’ve found what you love to do.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
In the makeup world, trends are always coming and going. I love to try new trendy styles and products but I always go back to what is tried and true. Classic beauty looks will always stand the test of time. I have studied techniques of some of the most prolific makeup artists in the industry, like one of my favorites: Kevyn Aucoin. His work at its core enhanced the natural beauty and features of whoever he had in his chair. This is the foundation for so many makeup artists and will never go out of style.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I feel like I’m doing what I was born to do. It took me years to figure out what exactly that was because I started adulthood doing what I was told to do. I went to college for a few years but didn’t graduate. I knew I wasn’t passionate about what I was pursuing. I knew I wanted to work in the beauty industry and I found makeup artistry – a perfect mix of my interests in fashion and beauty. As a result of the COVID pandemic, I lost my job working as a makeup artist for a prestige brand while out on maternity leave. I was given the opportunity to try to make it as an independent artist. I had my family and friends to lean on while I made this transition. The connections I had made in beauty lead to relationships that helped me grow and build my business to what it is now.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://audraashleeartistry.com
• Instagram: @audraashlee.mua

Image Credits
Rose Arrow Photos