Meet Katya Rich | Makeup artist and hairstylist

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

Hi Katya, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
What was your thought process behind starting your own business?

I was never sure that I would succeed. But I have a wonderful husband who always supports me and says: if it doesn’t work out, try something else. Therefore, all my thoughts were not about making money, but about what I was really interested in. Before I went to my first makeup lessons, I asked myself the question: what could I do if I didn’t have to earn money?

What’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?

I do not agree that all people initially need talent. People need desire and love for their work. Success is 99% daily work and 1% talent. I agree that there are naturally talented people. But this does not mean that others cannot develop this talent in themselves.

Risk taking: how do you think about risk, what role has taking risks played in your life/career?

risk is an opportunity to soberly assess your strengths. Every entrepreneur who once worked for another person understands: no one guarantees your salary at the end of the month, it all depends on you. For me, risk is an opportunity to prove myself, study problems from different angles and look for non-standard solutions.

What habits do you feel helped you succeed?

The main habit that saves me is positive thinking. After all, if you think carefully, then every bad situation has taught us something useful. this is a rewarding experience. learn to see the good in everything and everything will work out.

What is the most important factor behind your success / the success of your brand?

I still don’t feel like I’ve been successful yet. I’m still on the road 🙂 But in my work, the main factor is the people around me and luck. You can accidentally be at the right time in the right place and a completely different level of life will begin. But this will not happen if you are surrounded by lazy and negative people. Therefore, people do not say in vain, tell me who your friend is and I will tell you who you are.

What’s the most important lesson your business/career has taught you?

My main lesson is to learn to think with your own head. No one will bring you victory in a birthday envelope. No one will think for you how to go your way.

Work life balance: how has your balance changed over time? How do you think about the balance?

Honestly, at the moment my work takes all my time. I moved to America just a year ago, where no one knows me and I have problems with the language, I study it, but it’s still far from ideal. Therefore, my personal life in the person of my husband gives me the opportunity to realize myself as an artist, as a professional. Ask me in 3-5 years and I will share what will change.

How did you come up with the idea for your business?

I knew that we would leave for another country and I needed to find something to do for myself. I worked as a manager in an advertising company and loved my job very much. But in a foreign country, a new language would not allow me to take such a position, time must pass. Then I asked myself, what else do I like to do?

Why did you pursue an artistic or creative career?

I chose makeup because I have always loved bright colors, I loved theatrical performances, shows, parties, movies and everything where there are a lot of people and they are all beautiful. When my brides and their mothers see themselves in the mirror, they are happy and do not believe that they can be so beautiful. When their husbands meet them, they cry with happiness because this is one of the most important days of their lives. And they trust the most valuable thing – their face to me. I really appreciate this. And in these moments I understand that I am doing the right thing and it is the feedback of these people that gives me confidence that I should continue my work.

What are you inspired by?

Completely different things. Sometimes people tell stories and I start imagining pictures from their stories. Sometimes I see flowers, paints, shop windows, the sky in shops or on the streets and all this inspires me. Anything can give me an idea to implement

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
This is a very difficult question, I think. each master has his own handwriting, which is recognizable. Probably the best thing I can say about myself is that I am interested in everything. I don’t want to be just a bridal makeup artist. Or just a make-up artist on TV. Or do only art makeup. I want to develop everywhere, to be able to do different things, to be universal. Only in this case, I will not get bored, because I will always be in the process of learning. and it’s wonderful. Perhaps now the world should know that I am open to new friends and projects. Sometimes casual acquaintances develop into super creative, friendly and reliable teams for many years to come. so come visit, I have tea and cookies, we will discuss projects, ideas, motivate each other and share experiences

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My dear friend, I invite you on a tour of Universal Studios. Look at film sets, how people create the most realistic pictures that the whole world will watch.once touching this world was a pipe dream for me. But I have touched and I understand how close it all is here in America. If you, like me, are sick of the idea of ​​​​creating something interesting, then you won’t find a better place. You can also eat the best oysters in the world at Marshals Store 🙂

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Of course. First of all, this is my mom. A person who never forbade me to try something, to learn. Because of my mother, I started drawing when I was a child. in second place is my husband. A person who helps me grow, supports me, does not force me to go to a boring regular job for a regular salary. He listens to my endless stories about new powders, highlighters, late models and more, although I don’t think he’s really interested. And in third place are my friends, colleagues and like-minded people. People who surround me share advice, ask for news and discuss their ideas. Maybe if I was alone, I would have already completed my career as a makeup artist. Thank you all

Instagram: @katya.rich.makeup

Image Credits
Photo: Michael Mel @4mmfoto Olga Denisova @denisovaphoto_com Yana Mostitsky @yanamyphotography Alex @alxmphoto Victoria Passichenko @victoria.passichenko