Handling a Viral Bridal TikTok Moment with Grace and Turning It into Opportunity: with Kandra Jones.
Kandra Jones
San Diego-based hair and makeup artist Kandra Jones, founder of Twirly Shears. Kandra’s story is one of transformation—from aspiring second-grade teacher to bridal beauty expert.
Finding Her True Calling
Kandra’s career path didn’t begin in a salon—it started in a classroom. With dreams of becoming a teacher, she entered her senior year of high school fully committed to education. But after a hands-on teaching experience, she realised the classroom wasn’t where she truly wanted to be. Instead, she was drawn to the beauty industry, inspired by a colleague who had attended beauty school.
Her stepdad, a tradesman and business owner, also played a role in this pivot. Seeing the freedom and independence that came with owning a business sparked a new dream for Kendra: to create something of her own. This realisation led her to cosmetology school, where her journey truly began.
From Salon Roots to Makeup Discovery
At just 19, Kandra earned her cosmetology license and stepped into the salon world, focusing primarily on haircuts and color. Over two decades, she refined her skills and developed a loyal client base. Makeup initially entered her life casually—through a makeup counter set up in the salon. She would experiment, learn through trial and error, and slowly build confidence.
This hands-on approach laid the foundation for a deeper passion: bridal makeup.
Entering the Bridal Industry
In 2005, while planning her own wedding, Kandra found herself drawn to bridal beauty. Her salon clients started referring her to brides-to-be, and her reputation began to grow through word of mouth. A turning point came when she participated in a bridal expo. The bookings she received from that single event sustained her for years and allowed her to expand her bridal portfolio.
From there, Kandra began to shape a business model around what she loved—natural glam and personalized service for brides.
The Birth of Twirly Shears
Today, Kandra leads a successful bridal beauty team under her brand Twirly Shears. The company is known for delivering seamless, elevated, and natural bridal looks. Kandra has carefully curated her team to align with her brand values—artists who are not only technically skilled but also warm, communicative, and reliable.
Her emphasis on the client experience sets her apart. From consultation to the final touch-up on the wedding day, Kandra ensures every interaction is thoughtful and intentional.
Navigating Challenges with Grace
Like many entrepreneurs, Kandra has faced her share of challenges—one of which went viral. A video surfaced of a bride washing off her makeup, and the incident was linked back to her team. Instead of reacting defensively, Kandra used the moment to advocate for transparent client communication and industry-wide reflection.
She turned the experience into an opportunity to teach her team and community the importance of listening, adapting, and staying open to feedback.
Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Artists
For those looking to break into the bridal world, Kandra offers simple yet powerful advice: be patient, give yourself grace, and keep practicing. She believes that both wins and setbacks are essential to growth and encourages artists to stay grounded, continue learning, and always put the client first.
Final Thoughts
Kandra Jones’s journey is a beautiful example of what’s possible when passion meets perseverance. From a teenage dream of teaching to a thriving bridal beauty business, her story is one of resilience, creativity, and heart.
Whether you're just starting your career or looking to level up your business, Kendra’s insights serve as a reminder that every twist in the journey can lead to something truly meaningful.
Thanks for reading this week’s feature on The Makeup Insider. If this story resonated with you, make sure to subscribe to the podcast and leave a review—we love hearing from you. Until next time!