The Makeup Insider
Vanessa Barney
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From the Mecca Counter to Agency Repped with Kiana Mei
Send us Fan Mail Kiana has been in and around the makeup industry for 13 years. But her path wasn't straight. She started on the Mecca counters, stepped away to work in disability support, and came back in 2022 through The Iconic's e-commerce team. Since then? Sydney, Milan, Paris Fashion Weeks. A freelance career built on cold calls, genuine connections, and trusting her own eye. In this episode, we talk about what it actually takes to rebuild in this industry, how networking opened doors she didn't even know existed, and why finding your own aesthetic matters more than chasing trends. We cover: How Kiana got back into the industry through The Iconic's e-commerce teamWhy cold-calling creative agencies actually worksHow assisting at Fashion Weeks changed her careerBuilding a skin-focused, mood-driven styleHer kit essentials — including NARS Sheer Glow and Giorgio Armani Luminous SilkWhat she wishes she'd known earlierFor aspiring and working artists, this one is worth a listen. Follow TMI on IG Follow Vanessa on IG The Makeup Insider Blog Vanessa Substack The Makeup Insider TikTok
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