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Beauty ExpertExclusiveInterviewwww.shinebykatjames.comTikTok: @officialkatjamesIG: @officialkatjamesKat JamesProfessional make-up artist Kat James (@shinebykatjames) is the top beauty expert and digital creator over 50 with a combined following of over 1 million followers. At 51 years old, Kat prefers to be called an educator (not an influencer) and has over 30 years of experience in the beauty industry. She is a go-to beauty and skincare expert for mature skin. Kat has worked with some of the top beauty brands in the world such as Chanel, Kiehls, Fresh, Tarte, Est%u00e9e Lauder, Dr. Brandt, and Bobbi Brown. After moving from Canada to NYC, Kat flourished in editorial makeup for print magazines, and worked as a make-up artist on TV and film sets with celebrities like Demi Moore and Michelle Pfieffer. Kat now resides in Malibu, CA and is the founder of Shine by Kat James.Q: What inspired you to start a career in the beauty industry?A: It%u2019s something that came naturally to me. In my early teens, I regularly did my friends%u2019 makeup and hair. Before I turned 16, all of my friends%u2019 moms were also asking me to do their hair and makeup. I was just naturally good at it. I knew it was in my DNA.Q: How did you transition from being a licensed aesthetician in Canada to a celebrity makeup artist in NYC?A: It%u2019s definitely one of those Hollywood stories. While I was waiting for my official Visa work papers to be finalized, I was doing makeup for music videos under the table (cough, cough). Somehow, my name started getting passed around in those circles, and before I knew it, my calendar was booked solid.Q: What are the biggest challenges you%u2019ve faced in your career?A: When I became a mom, I put my career aside to become a stay-at-home mom. This industry moves at a fast pace, so I really had to work hard, get creative, and reinvent myself when I decided to re-enter the workforce. I had a big gap in my resume and had to learn to create my own opportunities.MOST MAGAZINE - ISSUE 52 89