Today we’d like to introduce you to Kash Barb
Hi Kash, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Kash “KashBarb” Thompson
Kash Barb is best described as a successful celebrity makeup artist. Living out my best talents I manipulated every aspect of social media. Starting as a local model in the dmv area I appeared in many commercial modeling gigs, hair shows, runway shows and music videos. Some music videos include Rapper Fabolous “When I Feel Like It”, Rapper Black Cobain “Quiet Time”, and more. Also from my modeling career I found my love and talent in makeup artistry.
I then began my career as a makeup artist with MAC cosmetics, which opened the doors to working with celebrity clients such as; Trina, SWV, Monica, Lil Mo, City Girls, Prince and his all female band 3rd Eye Girl, K Michelle, and many more.
A known entity in the nightlife of the dmv area I was often asked to host numerous parties and events. I’ve hosted events alongside celebrities such as: Teairra Mari, Fat Trel, Lance Gross, Black Cobain, Miguel, Teyana Taylor, and more. With the great turnouts that would be brought to the events from my celebrity I then began to host frequently and decided to start a promo group to accompany me to the events I had; which then brought about the Kash Dolls. Women from all over the US would send pictures and entries to join my group.
I decided that the nightlife wasn’t my main focus and wanted to focus on my makeup artistry solely. In doing so, I then poured all of my assets and resources into funding my very own cosmetic line. I currently have a very successful cosmetic line, The Kash Brand.
Along with being a highly-skilled celebrity makeup artist in the Baltimore-DMV area, I was known for my ever-changing hair styles and has been featured on Carol’s Daughters and The Cut Life (IG: @thecutlife). I have also successfully served as a brand ambassador for several companies such as; REEBOK, Seagrams, DTLR and more. I have partnered with many heavy-hitter stylists across the DMV area, expanding the audiences of many brands.
I’ve also worked for networks and record labels such as; Def Jam, Roc Nation, WeTv, & Live Nation. I’ve serviced music artists for video shoots, reality stars during filming and much more.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not always been a smooth road in my career. Being an entrepreneur is a 24/7 job with many uncertainties. You have to be a multifaceted individual with tons of drive and ambition. It’s very easy to work for a company and have the comforts of knowing when and where your next check is coming. Being an entrepreneur can be a struggle since everything starts and ends with you. I had to learn how to market and brand myself in order to stay relevant in the industry. Cosmetics, makeup trends, and media is forever changing and I constantly had to adjust to those changes. That was sometimes a struggle because as an artist you get use to what works for you and fear change.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a celebrity makeup artist that specializes in beauty and print makeup. I am known for my ever-changing hair styles, fashions, and makeup artistry. Starting my very own cosmetic line is what I’m most proud of. There are tons of great makeup artists across the globe but what I feel sets me apart is my ability to use makeup to enhance the natural beauty of person without making them look unrecognizable.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Deciding to become an entrepreneur is a huge risk in itself. Some risks I experienced are uncertain cash flow, difficulty securing funds, and changes in consumer preferences. I’ve always been a risk taker and although I knew the risks I was willing to take on the challenge.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://TheKashBrandCosmetics.com
- Instagram: TheKashBarb
- Facebook: TheKashCosmetics
- Twitter: TheKashBarb
- Youtube: TheKashBeat
Image Credits
Da Brat, KMichelle, Caresha (City Girls)
