Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsey Joelle Morrison.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
From as early as I can remember, I’ve always loved the beauty and fashion industry and knew that someday I would work my way into it. Seeing the magic of “makeovers” influenced me to not only learn the science and artistry of beauty and wellness, but to also care for and help people.
I attended the Aveda Institute of Chicago in 2007. It gave me a great understanding of esthetics, and to look more internally by incorporating an Ayurvedic, holistic style approach to skin. After a few years working my way up in spas, my thirst for esthetics grew into the ever expanding world of cosmetic medicine. My treatments expanded into resurfacing laser treatments, medical grade chemical peels, microneedling, and helping alongside physicians both pre-and post surgical procedures and injectable treatments.
During that time, I started my freelance project, To Have and To Glow, as a way to keep my hands in makeup. Because my esthetic work was so focused on treating skin, I found that I needed that creative balance-and the bridal industry pulled me in. It blossomed into such a fun, rewarding job where helping those clients with their skin, and sending them off on their special day feeling, and looking amazing.
As an Esthetician and Makeup Artist, my style is influenced by glowing skin, natural looking lashes, and an overall timeless look. I want my clients to look at their photos over the years and see the happy moments, not the hair and makeup style of that time.
I’m so thankful to be welcomed into a community of artists, photographers, wedding planners, and fellow vendors who are all like-minded and supportive. There is no greater feeling than seeing your work come full circle. Giving someone that boost of confidence is the greatest feeling, and will continue to push me to give more.
Great, 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’ve been doing esthetics for 11 years now, but of course, everyone’s journey and experience is different. Now that I am on the other side of it, I can say that I struggled with the communities I worked in. The work I did was 100% what I wanted to do with my life, no doubt about it. But the environment was my hang-up. I am a creative person and realized that in order to be happy – I needed to surround myself with like-minded people.
I went through years of different work settings, which is all wonderful because it was apart of the journey and I gained a lot of work experience. I hit a wall at a certain point and was being told that I wasn’t enough (when I was) or they wanted me to be someone I wasn’t. I had to swallow my pride for a while, and I tried to prove it to them. But in the end, all it did was drain me, and just showed that they needed a different personality. I realized I wasn’t the right fit, and that was ok. The second I “woke up”, my top priority was to be with a community and just to simplify. Everything has unfolded in the most beautiful way, and I am so grateful to all the people I have worked with. I had to go through that to realize what I valued.
I come from a hard-working family, and my leadership skills are what pushed me through certain periods of my career where I was confused and feeling uninspired. I kept telling myself to “stick it out”, show respect even when sometimes, it’s not deserved, and hold your head up. When you’re young and starting out, sometimes, you have to deal with this – but it gets better. You have to go through the storm to see the other side. It shows you what’s really important and what your next step is.
Please tell us about To Have and To Glow, by Kelsey Joelle.
I’m an esthetician. I provide various facial and body treatments, bridal makeup, and lash extensions. Currently, I do my esthetic work with the Soho House at Cowshed Spa. We have both naturally based products, and skinceuticals -a great dermatology medical brand.
My esthetic specialty is facial work. My treatments cover a lot of ground, meaning that I ask what their internal issues are nutritionally, and also recommend active ingredients, whether it be naturally based products or medical/prescription strengths. Full spectrum skin health.
My makeup specialty is bridal work. I’m known for a dewy, glowing look. Perfect for anyone that is shy to makeup or just wants to look effortless and natural.
What advice would you give to someone at the start of her career?
Trust the process. Listen to your gut – it will always lead you to where you want to be!
Contact Info:
- Website: tohaveandtoglow.com
- Email: KelseyJoelle@tohaveandtoglow.com
- Instagram: @kelseyjoelle
Image Credit:
@relaxhidef, @LaurieMariePhotography
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