Meet Kristi Colby | Kristi Colby / Makeup Educator, Founder of Colby Cosmetics & 25-Year Beauty Industry Expert

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kristi Colby and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kristi, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
After 25 years working as a professional makeup artist here in San Diego — from weddings and corporate clients to commercial and e-commerce shoots — I realized I had something deeper to offer beyond just makeup application. Over the years, I worked with hundreds of faces, but I was also listening to stories, building confidence, and creating moments of transformation. The spark to start my own business came from a desire to combine my expertise with my heart — to build something that could empower others through beauty.

That’s when Colby Cosmetics was born — a clean, multipurpose beauty line designed for women on the go, created with the real-life needs of my clients in mind. I wanted to simplify beauty without sacrificing quality, and every product I developed came from years of testing, experience, and intuition.

At the same time, I saw a gap in how aspiring makeup artists were being taught — they were learning technique, but not how to trust their artistry or run a business. So I created Beyond Beauty, a makeup education and certification program that helps artists expand their skills while learning how to turn their passion into a sustainable, aligned career.

I also teach in the South Bay School District through a grant-funded program with South Bay Community Services — something I’m incredibly proud of, because I believe young people deserve access to creative, confidence-building outlets.

My thought process wasn’t just “start a business.” It was: how can I create something that leaves a legacy, serves others, and feels true to who I’ve become as an artist, educator, and mother? That intention guides everything I do.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My artistry has always been rooted in connection. I’m not just here to “do makeup” — I’m here to help people see themselves, feel seen, and walk away with a deeper sense of confidence. What sets me apart is the way I combine technique with intuition. I’ve spent decades perfecting my craft, but I don’t believe in rigid rules. I believe in honoring each face, each moment, and letting creativity flow from that space.

I’m most proud of how far I’ve come by staying true to myself. Launching Colby Cosmetics was a huge leap — I took everything I’ve learned from working with hundreds of clients over 25 years and poured it into creating clean, multipurpose products that simplify beauty without sacrificing performance. At the same time, building Beyond Beauty gave me the chance to teach what I’ve lived — not just how to do makeup, but how to be an artist and a business owner.

Getting here hasn’t been easy. I started as a young artist doing weddings and local gigs with no roadmap, just a passion for makeup and a willingness to keep learning. I faced seasons of burnout, doubt, and feeling unseen in a saturated industry. But I leaned into community, invested in my growth, and stayed committed to evolving.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that your path doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. I didn’t go the traditional cosmetology route — I carved my own. Now I help others do the same through mentorship, education, and products designed with intention.

If there’s one thing I want the world to know about me and my brand, it’s this: beauty should feel like freedom. Whether you’re picking up a lip oil, taking a class, or getting your makeup done by me — I want you to feel empowered, supported, and seen.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting San Diego for a week, I’d make sure they got a true taste of everything that makes this city so special — the local flavor, laid-back energy, and some of my favorite hidden gems.

We’d start the week with a yoga class at Yoga Box to ground ourselves — it’s one of my favorite ways to reset and move with intention. After that, we’d grab breakfast burritos or tacos from Nico’s Taco Shop — a San Diego staple that never misses.

One day would be all about the coast — walking along Ocean Beach, chatting with locals, checking out the vendors, and grabbing fish tacos at South Beach Bar & Grill while we watch the sunset. OB has this eclectic charm that just feels like classic San Diego.

For a more elevated night out, we’d book dinner at Starlite — the ambiance is iconic, the cocktails are amazing, and it just feels like one of those special spots you never forget. We’d also plan a wine night or cocktail hour at Carruth Cellars in Little Italy, and maybe grab dinner at Herb & Wood or Trust — both beautiful restaurants with incredible menus.

Midweek, we’d take a walk through Balboa Park, visit the museums, and maybe even catch a live show if something fun is happening. I’d also take them to La Jolla Cove to see the sea lions and walk the cliffs, and if we’re feeling adventurous, maybe a kayaking tour. San Diego Zoo is another favorite for us to take our son to.

We’d round out the trip with a chill beach day in Coronado and brunch at The Cottage in La Jolla before heading to Seaport Village for a little last-minute shopping and bay views.

What I love most about San Diego is that you can move from coastal casual to elevated elegance all in one day — and whether you’re here to explore, unwind, or connect, there’s always something memorable waiting.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Without a doubt, my husband Justin deserves a huge shoutout. He’s the one behind the scenes helping me keep everything running — from operations to emotional support. His steady presence, problem-solving mindset, and unwavering belief in me have been the foundation of building both Colby Cosmetics and Beyond Beauty.

My greatest inspiration is our son, Colby. Becoming a mother changed the way I viewed success — it gave me a bigger purpose and pushed me to create a life filled with possibility, freedom, and joy for him. His name is on the brand because he’s at the heart of everything I do.

I also want to recognize South Bay Community Services for seeing the vision behind bringing beauty education to our local schools. Their support has allowed me to mentor and teach the next generation of artists in the South Bay district — and honestly, the students themselves inspire me constantly. They remind me why I started, why representation matters, and why creating a legacy rooted in creativity and confidence is so important.

Website: https://www.themakeupboxca.com/ https://www.colbycosmetic.com/

Instagram: @kristicolbybeauty @colbycosmetic

Linkedin: Kristi Colby

Image Credits
Amazonas Photography