she’s the boss!
Posted in guest blogger May 19th, 2011 by admin
Kimberley Bosso is a Los Angeles-based entrepreneur, founder and owner of “Queen B Makeup,” and celebrity make-up artist known for her editorial work in publications including ELLE, ROLLING STONE, POP STAR and many others. She’s done award-winning celeb makeup for the likes of Justin Bieber, Marissa Tomei, Andy Garcia, Taryn Manning, the “Jersey Shore” Girls, Matt Damon, Aidan Quinn and Zac Efron. Her work takes her to Fashion Week and red carpet events in New York, Paris, LA and wherever famous faces need to be perfected.
Kimberley also developed and teaches her 4-day intensive make-up course, providing a pro certificate upon completion in both beauty and airbrush make-up. In this course, all facets of makeup are covered, addressing what an aspiring artist needs to know to become a successful pro, including the business and marketing portion needed to get started. Students fly in from around the globe to attend this exclusive, one-of-a-kind course.
Kimberley’s also currently producing her own organic make-up and skin care line, writing a beauty/make-up book, and developing a series of makeup “how-to” DVDs.
QUEEN B’s ADVICE FOR SUCCESS:
“Something I share with my students is a quote from Muhammad Ali. He says “More than your skill, is your will.” You can be the best at what you do, and it’s important to be greatly skilled, but sometimes technique is not enough. Even more important: willingness to persevere through rough times. Belief in yourself! And most importantly, never give up the knowingness that you are great, and that greatness is waiting for you around the corner. “
HOW HAS THE DIGITAL AGE – RETOUCHING, PHOTOSHOP – CHANGED EXPECTATIONS SURROUNDING YOUR PROFESSION?
“The new technology does not affect my initial make-up in the slightest. I’m known to be a perfectionist in achieving flawless skin, so I have the intent to strive for the best when I’m hired to make up a model or celebrity. I do know first-hand that retouchers LOVE when they can refrain from having to spend hours perfecting a photo. They really respect when a make-up artist puts all of her effort into her work.”
WHAT DO YOU LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! ABOUT YOUR WORK?
“Besides it being lucrative, nothing beats the freedom of being your own boss. There’s not a day that goes by where I don’t feel gratitude for being able to have a choice each day.”
WHAT QUALITIES DOES A PERSON NEED TO SUCCEED AS A PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP ARTIST?
“It takes will, tenacity, skill, and a personality that is tolerant and adaptable. Without sharp business skills, you’ll be eaten alive in this town. Oh, and never look back. Very important in any aspect of life.”
WHICH DERMALOGICA PRODUCTS DO YOU USE ON YOUR OWN SKIN?
“Each night, I love to use Dermalogica Daily Resurfacer. They leave my skin extremely smooth and clean by removing the dead cells that accumulated during the day. I’m addicted to this stuff. I also use the MultiVitamin Power Firm around my eyes, and the Age Smart® Super Rich Repair all over, along with the Intensive Lip Complex.”


I recently posted about women in the Netherlands, and how a recent study conducted there raises interesting questions about defining women’s success (see the post, “
Emmy Hop: You are right, there is no such thing as balance. However, it depends on the definition you give to the word “balance.” To me, balance is about putting energy in something and getting positive energy back. Furthermore, balance to me is that I have enough “me time,” lean back, take the time to enjoy both private life and work. Taking time for things is a source for creativity. Going over the edge is fine, enjoy! But take good care of yourself, because in the end, to put it bluntly, no one else will. You are the “human capital” to yourself, family, friends and employer. I always work from my own strength. Everyone has plenty of those!
Dermalogica Industry Insider Member and Celebrity Makeup Artist, Rea Ann Silva Shares Her Entrepreneurial Journey
For instance, when you need someone to patiently listen as you vent. Or, if you’re under the weather, someone to come over and give you a hand around the house—take out the recycling, water the plants, vacuum the rugs. When you’re melancholy, someone to pour you a cuppa tea (or maybe something stronger!) and tell you how much you are valued. These gestures of generosity are wonderful, heart-warming gifts, although they cannot be measured in monetary value.
Also, if you have to keep an eye on little ones, you can’t really “be here now,” as the bumper sticker says. Distraction will diminish YOUR experience. If it’s a 10-minute brow tidy, it’s no big deal. But wondering whether your little darlings are getting into mischief for 60 to 90 minutes really makes your visit more stress than bliss for you as well as others present.