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Conversations with the Inspiring Kalimah Brown

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kalimah Brown.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Kalimah. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I began my career in permanent makeup while teaching middle school three years ago. I was on summer break browsing through Instagram when something called “microblading” popped up in my news feed. Microblading is meant to enhance your natural eyebrow, giving it a defined, thicker look. Naturally, I was interested since I don’t have full eyebrows myself. I got them done and fell in love. I thought to myself, this process was so simple and easy, I could probably do this! I found a permanent makeup artist to train and certify me, and now here I am three years later.

After so much contemplation, I recently decided to take the leap and further my education in the permanent makeup industry while taking a break from teaching. I most definitely love & miss my kiddos, but I’ve always loved everything makeup & beauty so I’m really thrilled about doing this full time! I’m still changing lives in a positive light and I feel as long as I’m doing that then I’m on the right track. Certainly, running your own business will come with some late nights, & headaches but I feel as long as you’re consistent and optimistic, there will be that light at the end of the tunnel. And of course, nothing beats the look on a client’s face after I’ve slain their brows! I can truly say I enjoy what I do!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road hasn’t always been smooth. I had my daughter about a year ago and during the pregnancy, it was definitely a challenge working on clients as I have to bend over constantly. I ended up having to take a break from the permanent makeup industry around my 7th month of pregnancy and up until about my daughter was eight months old. Roughly, it was about a year total. In this industry, it’s important to stay consistent because you want to build a steady client base. With that being said, I had to pretty much start over, rebuilding my business and clientele after the much-needed break. With time and consistency, I’ve been able to “rebrand” my business and am actually much more successful now versus before. To those who are just getting started, don’t be discouraged if you are feeling frustrated because you’re not getting the clientele you want or if you feel you’re just not finding success. Patience, consistency, and of course optimism is key! You will get there!

What should we know about Brows by Kali? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Brows by Kali offers permanent makeup specializing in microblading, microshading, ombré brows, and lip blush! Glancing back from when I first started, I’ve grown so much as an artist. I am most proud of my skillset & eagerness, always finding ways to master what I do. What sets me apart from others is my professionalism and customer service. They are some of the most crucial components to running a successful business.

Looking back on your childhood, what experiences do you feel played an important role in shaping the person you grew up to be?
I’ve always been artistic with a creative mindset. I never knew exactly what I wanted to be as a child but I know it had to allow me to express myself in some form of art. My mom always instilled in us (siblings) that we are leaders, not followers. I kept that with me and have stayed true to it since.

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Image Credit:
Zayanala Muhammad

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