Taya Starling

Being the daughter of a woman who does it all, I have a deep profound respect for other women who seemingly do it all too. Bailee Nakahiki is a mother, wife, make up artist, and entrepreneur among many other things- and she holds each title so gracefully.  Never seeming overwhelmed or stressed, Bailee always gives off the impression of genuinely enjoying the different layers of her life whether she’s on set for a shoot or hanging out with her adorable daughter Banksy.

Name

Bailee Nakaahiki

Location

Hawai’i/ Los Angeles

Occupation

Make Up Artist

How did you become a Make Up Artist?

It all started with my grandma. I think I was about 8 years old. She would watch me everyday after school. She had so much makeup and skincare products on her bathroom sink that I would get into. I was hooked  as soon as I figured out what everything was and what everything did and what I was capable of doing with them. My grandma every single day would lay on her bed and let me literally do whatever I wanted to her face. I would make her look like a clown somedays, absolutely beautiful the next (which didnt take alot at all) and give her facials after that. It was my favorite thing in the world to just sit there and paint her face. I would also do her hair, she loved it, I loved it. And still to this day I do my grandmas makeup and hair any chance I get. So I have to give it up to my grandma for starting the path to my passion.

What is your favorite look to create?

Hmmmm. This one is tough. I love so many different looks depending on my mood and what I am feeling and who my client is. Probably my top look is light natural shadow on the eyes, tons of lashes, groomed brows, highlight/contour and a bold color on the lips. I think I personally look like an idiot w tons of shadow on my eyes so when I feel sponateous or outgoing you can tell if I have lips full of color. My motto will always be less  is more. Enhance beauty, dont cover it up. However I cant say I dont enjoy beating a face down w dramatic everything cause I definitely enjoy that too.

Favorite Brands to work with?

Also Embryolisse Moisturizer/primer. Amazing. I use it on everyone. It allows foundation to look absolutely perfect. Oh and of course the Beauty Blender to apply foundation, concealor, etc.,. I can’t live without it.

You’re looking to open your own salon! Tell us about it and what made you want to pursue this new adventure?

Yes! A salon is in the near future. Super excited about it. My best friend Holly Tomita and I have always talked about it; Wanting a sleek modern salon unlike all the other ones here in Honolulu. Shes a top hairstylist here in Hawaii so it only made sense for me to hook up w her and collab together. She will be in charge of the hair side and I will handle everything to do w makeup etc. Trying to get it up by next year depending on the construction etc. But yah it should be amazing.  Trying to go through the whole process and enjoy each step. Salon will be called “HMB” Hair. Makeup. Beauty. Look out for us!

So on top of being a Make Up Artist and Entreprenuer, you’re also a Fulltime Mama.  How do you do it?!

Yes I am a mama!  I have a baby daughter named Banksy who is the love of my life. She is absolutely amazing. And yes a handful. Im so blessed to be able to be a mom and wife while being able to do what I love and live life to the fullest. A couple things that allow me to balance work and life is one I have an amazing support system. My husband,  it also helps that he owns his own buisness also known as “Fitted” go check him out. haha. so together we make it work. We dont really have any other choice. Once you have a child you dont think about what you have to do, you just do it. The second thing is surrounding yourself with amazing family and friends. People who wanna see you accomplish your dreams, people who truly care about your happiness and well-being, people who got your back when you need help and people who are just happy in general.

What dreams do you have for the future?

I have a ton of future dreams. I wanna kill it in the Makeup game. I wanna do celebrities and not gonna lie I wanna make a shit ton of money doing what I love. I want to have one more healthy beautiful baby. I want to own a bunch of property. I want Fitted to be as successful as it can. I want to go to Tahiti, and a whole lot of other places. I want my parents to move to Hawaii so it will save us money on childcare and last I want my family and  I to just continue being safe, happy and healthy along with everyone else who I love in my life.

Any words of wisdom for other people out there who want to do hair/ make up for a living but don’t know how or where to start?

Some words of wisdom to people trying to get into the Makeup / Hair career. Touch as many faces as you can. Practice makes perfect and even if you think youre at perfect, keep practicing. Have an open mind. Learn something from everyone or  be willing too. Its unreal what you can learn from one another. And be nice. I also recommend working for mac in my opinion. They put you through training, show you the basics, you get to play with product all day and meet tons of people.

You can find Bailee in the following places:

www.BaileeNakaahiki.com

www.BaileeNakaahiki.tumblr.com

On Twitter:

@BNakaahiki

On Instagram:

@BaileeNakaahiki