Meet Kathy | Makeup and hair stylist

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

Hi Kathy, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I’m from Fort Worth, Texas, and I come from a close-knit family with deep roots in hard work, love, and resilience. Both of my parents immigrated from Mexico at a young age, determined to create a better life for us.

Growing up, my parents made sure life always felt full and secure, even when they were silently carrying the weight of their sacrifices. Now as an adult, I see the strength it took to give us that kind of childhood, and I’m forever grateful.
My dad worked long hours—through the hottest summers and coldest winters—without ever complaining. Watching his unwavering work ethic taught me that no dream is too small, and if he could give his all every single day, I can absolutely show up and chase mine
He taught me discipline, resilience, and the importance of doing everything with intention. He reminded me to stand my ground, treat others with respect, and always treat everyone equally—because we never know someone else’s story. My mom was a stay-at-home mom who raised four kids with immense love and attention to detail. She was incredibly creative, always decorating for every holiday and making crafts she’d find online. I truly believe my creativity and artistry come from her. She was always busy, not only taking care of us, but also looking after my cousins and family friends’ kids. It was so heartwarming to see other kids view her as a second mother and love her just as much. I’ve always felt an overwhelming sense of pride calling her my mom. Everything she does is poured with love and care, and that’s something I’ll always carry with me. My siblings have played a huge role in shaping who I am. Growing up with them was filled with endless laughter, unwavering loyalty, and constant support. No matter how big or small the inconvenience, I always lean on them. I look up to each one of them, including my youngest sister, and am grateful for the unique way they’ve each influenced my life.

These values are the foundation of who I am and how I work. As a makeup artist and someone in the beauty space, I carry that same energy into every client experience. I believe in making people feel seen, cared for, and confident—because that’s what my family gave me, and now it’s what I hope to give others.

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.
Getting to where I am today wasn’t easy. I started doing hair and makeup when I was 17, working on friends and family in high school. What began as a passion project quickly turned into something more, and soon I had my own makeup page. Everything was going well until the pandemic hit, and life took me in different directions.

But a few months ago, I realized that my dream had always been in the back of my mind, patiently waiting to be pursued. I decided it was time to pick up where I left off and return to the industry with a renewed sense of purpose. I’m back, and this time, I’m doing it full force—with clear goals and the determination to reach them.
Throughout my journey, I’ve realized that the key to getting to where you want to be is simply starting. If you never take that first step, you’ll never reach your goals. I’ve learned that comparison is the thief of joy—there’s no point in measuring your progress against others when your path is uniquely your own.

You don’t wake up one day and suddenly perfect your craft. It takes time, trial and error, and a lot of determination. But the most important thing is getting up and doing it, no matter how many mistakes you make along the way. Every step, every challenge, is part of the growth, and I’ve learned to embrace that process.

What sets my work apart is that it comes from a place of deep gratitude and sincere respect for every person who sits in my chair. Growing up in a family where love and hard work were at the core of everything, I learned early on the power of showing up with intention and heart.

For me, makeup isn’t just about the final look—it’s about the experience. I listen closely, I tune into your vision, and I bring both skill and soul into the process. My goal is for you to leave not just looking beautiful, but feeling seen, confident, and truly valued. Because every face I touch is more than a canvas—it’s a connection, and that means everything to me.

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?
We’d definitely start the day with brunch, preferably at Tesoro! Their chilaquiles paired with a delicious café de olla make for the perfect morning combo. Afterward, we could head to the Stockyards to enjoy the beautiful Texas weather and maybe grab a margarita from Paloma Suerte before browsing the boutiques around the area. From there, we could make our way to Arlington for a Rangers baseball game, enjoying some classic ballpark food. To finish off the day, we’d head to Texas Live for a fun night out!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
All of my success is thanks to my parents and my family . Without them, I wouldn’t have had the courage to start chasing my dreams. Their love, support, and belief in me are the foundation of everything I’ve accomplished.

When I say family, I mean all of them—my siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles—every single one has shown up for me in their own way. Whether it’s with words of encouragement, helping me practice, or recommending my services to others, their support has meant the world.
I’m really grateful for my boyfriend. He’s always there to reassure me when I need it, and his support means everything. In moments of doubt, he reminds me that I’m capable of more than I think. With him in my corner, I feel like I can handle anything.

And I can’t forget my best friend—she’s been by my side since we were 13 and has always been one of my biggest supporters. No matter what I’m facing, she has a way of reminding me of my strength and making me feel like I can conquer anything. Her friendship has been one of the greatest constants in my life.

But above all, I owe it to my parents. Their sacrifices, strength, and constant belief in me gave me everything I needed to dream big and work hard.
Everything i am is because of everything they gave.

I want to dedicate this to my sweet Dad in heaven. There isn’t a single day that goes by where I don’t think of him. I miss his voice, his wisdom, his quiet strength—how just being near him made everything feel safe. Even though he’s no longer here, I still feel him in the small moments, guiding me, grounding me.

He used to say, “Échale ganas, hija.” Such a simple phrase, but it carried the weight of all his hopes for me. Those words lit a fire in me—to keep going, to give my all, to never settle for less and to always want more for myself.

Everything I do is for him. His love is stitched into the fabric of who I am. I carry his legacy with every step, every dream, every triumph. I hope, with all my heart, that I’m making him proud.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rreynasmakeup?igsh=NGFyajgzczZvd29s&utm_source=qr

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@kathyyreynaa?_t=ZP-8voBw6cmq91&_r=1

Image Credits
photographer