How Kiana Built a Freelance Makeup Career — From Mecca Counters to Milan Runways

Kiana has been around makeup for 13 years. She started on the Mecca counters, left the industry to work in disability support, and came back in 2022. Within a few years, she was working Fashion Weeks in Sydney, Milan, and Paris.

That's not luck. That's a strategy.

Starting over is not the same as starting from scratch

When Kiana returned to the industry, she joined The Iconic's in-house e-commerce team. Fast-paced, high-output, and completely different to counter work. It pushed her to adapt quickly.

But she had something a lot of new artists don't. Years of experience with real humans, a genuine love for the craft, and the confidence to trust her instincts.

That foundation matters. Even if the path doesn't look linear from the outside.

Why networking in this industry is non-negotiable

Kiana didn't wait for opportunities to come to her. She cold-emailede creative agencies. She assisted established artists on big jobs. She said yes to things before she felt ready.

One introduction from a fellow artist led to international Fashion Week work. That's how this industry moves. Not through job boards. Through people.

The lesson: show up, be generous with your time, and support other artists. It comes back around.

Finding your style — and why it matters

A lot of artists spend years trying to figure out what their "thing" is. Kiana's advice is to stop overthinking it.

Her aesthetic is skin-focused and mood-driven. Not trend-chasing. That clarity didn't come from copying other artists. It came from doing the work, paying attention to what felt right, and letting go of what didn't.

Your style is what makes you bookable. It's also what makes you memorable.

Kit essentials Kiana swears by

For anyone building their kit, Kiana mentioned a few products she comes back to again and again:

• NARS Sheer Glow Foundation — reliable, skin-like finish

• Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk — a classic for good reason

• Waterproof and tubing mascara combo — for longevity without heavy application

Solid products over trend pieces, every time.

The bottom line

Kiana's story isn't about being in the right place at the right time. It's about staying ready, building real relationships, and trusting that your own point of view has value.

If you're an emerging artist feeling like you're behind, or a working artist wondering if a pivot is possible — this episode is for you.