Instagram Influencer Spotlight On: Catherine Krahn @ckmua_

1) Tell us a little about yourself. What are you doing now and where do you come from?

I am a professional makeup artist, tea enthusiast, and cat lover living and working in London, Ontario. I am freelance makeup artist working out of my home studio as well as offering mobile makeup for weddings, photoshoots, and group events. With a full wedding season complete and another booking up, I always keep the beautification process running smooth, on time, and a moment for each beautiful face in my chair to relax. I also love having clients visit my home studio! I enjoy hosting each individual, welcoming them into a tranquil space and leaving looking as beautiful as they feel!

2) What are your topics of interest? What do you post on Instagram the most?

My topics of interest include makeup and beauty as well as lifestyle. I focus on client before and after because I love to feature the beautiful faces that I get to meet every day! The lifestyle aspect of my social media presence focuses on supporting local businesses and artists. I am passionate about where I come from and love to explore what my city and country have to offer! The majority of my Instagram includes client transformations, selfies of looks I create on myself, little bits of my everyday life like a local coffee shop or a delicious meal, and features of new and current favourite products. I have followers tell me everyday that they look to my social media for product suggestions or feel proud when they have the same product that I love!

3) How did your Instagram name come about?

My Instagram name is a short form of Catherine Krahn Makeup Artistry. The full name of my business is formal and expresses to clients exactly who I am while the shorter, Instagram version is memorable and quick to the point. My goal was to make it clear to new clients what my name is and what I do.

4) What are some apps you use to edit your photos? Share with us your photo-editing routine!

My favourite editing apps are Layout, Phonto, and Facetune. I use Layout to create side-by-sides of my clients’ before and afters. I use Phonto to watermark any of my creative looks and product features with my Instagram handle, @ckmua_ so everyone can know where to go to see more. I use Facetune on my creative looks to even out and smooth lighting while still keeping the photo true to the look.

5) Any Instagrammers whom you really like? Which Instagrammer inspires you the most?

Instagram is a place of extreme inspiration for me! My favourite Instagrammers are @ssssamantha, @leighdickson (two amazing Canadian babes!), @briannabissonmakeup, @adoredelano for his/her beautiful drag transformation, @dausell because of her immense creativity, and @lindahallbergs for her versatility. All of these beautiful Instagrammers inspire me everyday and make me proud to be an artist. They help me strive to be better in my creativity and technique.

6) If there’s one thing your fellow Instagrammers just gotta try now, what’s it gonna be?

Oils! I moisturize after cleansing at night with oils such as MAC Cosmetics Essential Oils or L’Occitane Almond Supple Skin Oil. I encourage all my clients with oily skin to try this. I’ve found oils keep my skin moisturized and soft (oily skin can be thirsty skin!) but also helps my skin to not over-produce natural oils.

7) What’s your favorite part about being an influencer?

My favourite part of being an influencer is how I can connect with my clients and followers. I am passionate about finding products that work, are affordable, and easy to use. I’ve found that many of my followers look to me for product recommendations and my passion is helping everyone look, and most importantly feel, their best. Plus, I love the excitement of trying new products! I am passionate about expanding my horizons and with so many amazing new beauty brands coming out on the market, the industry is at it’s height!

8) What are some of your top tips to brands for running campaigns? How do you maintain authenticity?

I’ve noticed that brands who connect with their consumers and maintain transparency rise to the top. Brands that feature real makeup artists in their campaigns help to reach not only everyday people but makeup artists as well – this makes the brand and the products accessible. To maintain authenticity, I’ve noticed brands who stay true to their image but also expand the products they offer. Product packaging to make the brand recognizable helps to create a unified image, even when introducing new product lines.

9) What would your advice be on the importance of quality and original content?

Don’t worry about what everyone else is doing. Create and post content that feels good to yourself and to your brand. Strive to be better than your last post and focus on quality over quantity. Use your own voice and followers will connect with you. I’ve found that all of this has helped me grow as an artist and an influencer.

10) What do you like best about partnering with brands?

I love partnering with brands because I can show that a product is usable and of good quality. I love trying new things and I get so excited when I love a product that I can’t wait to encourage others to try it! In a world of a million beauty products, it can be hard to find what works best. I look to influencers for product recommendations and I strive to be that voice for others.

Topics:

• Animals & Pets
• Celebrities
• Fashion
• Film, Music & Books
• Food & Drink
• Hair & Beauty
• Humor
• Photography

Country:

Canada