Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie-Laine Thornton.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I grew up doing a lot of performing (musicals, dance recitals, talent shows) and would do my makeup (and others’) for shows and performances. In college, I started working for a beauty brand that sold makeup, skincare, and body/bath products because I thought it would be fun.
Pretty soon, I realized that I had a knack for makeup and that I really enjoyed it! I started trying to teach myself everything I could and I was practicing on anyone that would let me. That was the beginning of what has become an over 15 years journey as a makeup artist and educator! I continued to work in the beauty industry while finishing my degree in Public Relations. I went on to work for MAC Cosmetics for ten years, teach a makeup academy at Paul Mitchell the School, and work on various side projects throughout the years. I decided to put all of my skills to use and open my own business about five years ago. It started as a small freelance business to give me more control over my schedule and now it has grown into a thriving beauty business with a team of amazing artists and administrators! Now I work on select projects and teach classes + lessons to clients and beauty professionals, in addition to running a thriving makeup + hair team, Indigo Beauty Collective.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I have enjoyed a lot of privilege in starting my business and have had a smoother road than so many. For me, when I first started my business, I had a two year old at home and no money to put towards this new business. I basically had a full kit of makeup and some makeup + business skills that I had to figure out how to leverage. I had also totally overcommitted myself to a myriad of responsibilities and had very little time, money and energy to put towards a new business. Finding the balance between all the things is definitely an ongoing process. When my son started kindergarten at a school we love and I finally hired an executive assistant, I felt like I was really getting into my groove and I could start working on some of my bigger goals and visions for my business. Then, covid happened. It felt like overnight, this business that I had been building over the past few years was just gone. In hindsight, my business wasn’t gone – it was just on pause for a little while and we had to learn how to adapt and be flexible. It feels good to have a little hope for the future again, along with the wisdom of the past.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As a makeup artist, I specialize in effortless, natural yet artful makeup that feels comfortable, photographs well, and is uniquely suited to each individual. I am known for my effortless + polished makeup and hair looks for photoshoots, video shoots, speaking appearances, and weddings. I also teach a lot of private lessons and classes, focusing on approachable, simple makeup techniques to help my clients build the look and beauty routine that feels nourishing and true for them. I am not interested in making everyone look the same or making people feel like they should look like someone else. I also provide coaching and training for people who want to work in the beauty industry with a fresh, radical approach.
Contact Info:
- Email: klt@katielainethornton.com
- Website: www.katielainethornton.com and www.indigobeautycollective.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/katielainethornton
Image Credits
Wilde Company, Lindsey Rome, Greg Thomason, Hannah Burton
