Inspiring Conversations with Katje Billups of Catalyst Beauty

Today we’d like to introduce you to Katje Billups.

Hi Katje, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
It all started before I moved to Nashville over a decade ago. I was a model in Washington DC, which naturally attracted me to makeup artistry and skincare. I interned with makeup artists and enrolled in Von Lee School of Aesthetics. Shortly after, I moved to Nashville to work as a makeup artist with talent and production. I signed with a modeling agency and worked as an esthetician at an Aveda Day Spa while building my makeup career. I became a successful Nashville makeup artist; however, I was battling severe skin and health issues over the years, which led me to take a holistic approach to skincare and wellness. I needed to take a break from the long hours on set and endless flights to get my health back. So I decided to go back to the treatment room as an esthetician. I started to heal. That is how I fell in love with holistic skincare.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Not at all! There were always setbacks every step of the way—a lot of hard lessons, I still have challenges; however, I gained so much strength overcoming every hardship. I am deeply grateful for that.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Catalyst Beauty?
Catalyst Beauty is a modern holistic skincare and wellness studio located in West Nashville at the L&L Marketplace. We specialize in achieving optimal skin health through a holistic approach to traditional beauty practices. We consider diet and stress levels in holistic skincare and connect the skin to internal imbalances. We specialize in the Gua Sha facial and sculptural face lifting massage. We incorporate skincare lines with conscious innovative ingredients that deliver results.

What sets us apart is the unique services we offer and non-invasive result-driven treatments. However, I hope that changes because there is a need for more of us! The holistic esthetics community is tiny but growing. We find each other from all over, connect and learn together. I think it’s essential to create a strong network of professionals. Our industry can be very competitive. I’ve worked in places where others were competing against each other in the same establishment. I never really understood this approach. I want to be an example where we work with each other, respect and support everyone in the professional community. My team and I are determined to instill an abundance mindset in budding estheticians. I believe there is room for everyone, and we all can thrive.

I’m most proud of getting through the on-set of COVID and navigating the uncertainty after opening a brand new business. Our clients are so incredibly supportive, and they are the ones that got us through. The brand continues to grow and develop with this endless support, and I feel excited about its future.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I grew up in an artistic and musical family. I played the flute for years and considered a singing career at one point. Yes, I can sing but don’t ask me to! 🙂 I love to create mixed media pieces and help my husband paint murals in my spare time.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.catalystbeauty.co
• Instagram: _catalystbeauty

Image Credits:
Brooke Boling (Honor Creative)