Connect
To Top
Alex Whitman-Kelsey

Rising Stars: Meet Alex Whitman-Kelsey of Alabama

Avatar photo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alex Whitman-Kelsey.

Hi Alex, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m Alex Kelsey, a licensed cosmetologist and professional makeup artist with over 13 years of experience in the beauty industry. I specialize in creating timeless, elevated beauty for bridal, editorial, commercial, and on-set clients, with experience working during New York Fashion Week. As an entrepreneur, wife, and mother, I’m passionate about helping people feel confident while building brands that celebrate beauty, wellness, and intentional living. Every opportunity to create is a chance to inspire confidence, embrace authenticity, and make beauty feel effortless.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
People often see the finished look—the flawless makeup, polished hairstyles, beautiful photos, and successful moments—but they rarely see the road it took to get here.

My journey in the beauty industry has been filled with incredible highs, but also some of the most challenging seasons of my life. As a licensed cosmetologist, professional makeup artist, and entrepreneur, I’ve learned that talent alone isn’t enough. Building a career requires resilience, adaptability, and the willingness to keep going even when everything around you tells you to quit.

Like so many beauty professionals, COVID-19 changed everything. Overnight, appointments disappeared, weddings were postponed, events were canceled, and the industry I had spent years building came to a standstill. The uncertainty was overwhelming. I watched income become unpredictable while still carrying the responsibilities of everyday life, forcing me to rethink not only my business but my entire approach to entrepreneurship.

I’ve also experienced the disappointment of salon suite closures and the instability that can come with relying on spaces and opportunities outside of your control. Rebuilding meant starting over more than once, finding new ways to serve clients, and refusing to let temporary setbacks define my future.

Not every business decision has been the right one either. I’ve made investments that didn’t produce the return I expected, trusted opportunities that weren’t aligned with my vision, and spent valuable time and resources learning lessons the hard way. Those experiences were discouraging, but they also sharpened my judgment, strengthened my business mindset, and taught me the importance of patience, discernment, and strategic growth.

Through every setback, I’ve continued to evolve. I’ve expanded my skills, embraced new opportunities, and learned that success isn’t built on avoiding failure—it’s built on what you choose to do after it. Every challenge has refined my purpose and reminded me why I started: to help people feel beautiful, confident, and seen.

Today, I don’t just celebrate the accomplishments—I honor the resilience behind them. Every client I’ve served, every business I’ve built, and every dream I’m still pursuing is a testament to perseverance. My story isn’t one of perfection; it’s one of growth, faith, determination, and choosing to keep showing up, even when the path forward wasn’t clear.

Those hardships didn’t end my journey—they shaped the entrepreneur, artist, and woman I am today.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Some of my proudest moments in my beauty career have come from stepping into spaces that once felt like dreams and proving that my passion, creativity, and dedication could take me there.

One of my greatest accomplishments was serving as a lead makeup artist on a film set. Working in film gave me the opportunity to experience beauty artistry on a completely different level. As lead makeup artist, I was responsible for overseeing the overall beauty direction, creating looks that supported the characters, maintaining continuity throughout filming, collaborating with directors, producers, wardrobe teams, and talent, and ensuring every detail translated perfectly on camera. Film requires a unique understanding of lighting, high-definition cameras, long shooting hours, and the importance of consistency from scene to scene. It challenged me creatively and professionally while allowing me to showcase my ability to work under pressure, lead a team, and bring a creative vision to life.

Another career-defining experience was participating in New York Fashion Week. Being surrounded by some of the most talented artists, designers, models, and creatives in the industry was an unforgettable milestone. Fashion Week taught me the importance of precision, speed, adaptability, and pushing creative boundaries. It allowed me to be part of an environment where beauty is used as a form of storytelling and where every detail—from skin preparation to the final touch of makeup—plays a role in creating an unforgettable look.

During my time in the fashion industry, I had the honor of working alongside influential names such as Claire Sulmers of Fashion Bomb Daily. Being connected to creatives and platforms that celebrate fashion, beauty, and culture allowed me to expand my artistry and gain a deeper appreciation for the impact beauty professionals have in shaping trends and empowering individuals. Experiences like these have continued to inspire me to bring a high level of professionalism, creativity, and luxury to every client experience.

My specialty is creating elevated beauty experiences that enhance natural features while making clients feel confident and unforgettable. My artistry focuses on luxury bridal beauty, soft glam, editorial makeup, runway looks, pageant makeup, and photography-ready beauty. I specialize in creating flawless, camera-ready complexions, timeless makeup looks, and customized styles that complement each client’s personality, features, and vision.

My luxury travel makeup services are designed for clients who value convenience, exclusivity, and a personalized experience. Whether traveling for a wedding, special event, photoshoot, destination celebration, or milestone moment, I provide an elevated beauty experience brought directly to the client. From customized consultations and skin preparation to long-lasting, photo-perfect makeup application, my goal is to create a seamless experience where clients feel pampered, confident, and beautiful.

I have also developed a passion for pageantry, runway, and photography makeup—understanding that each environment requires a different approach. Pageant makeup requires confidence, polish, and the ability to enhance beauty while standing out under stage lighting. Runway makeup requires creativity and the ability to interpret a designer’s vision quickly and effectively. Photography makeup requires precision, dimension, and an understanding of how makeup translates through the lens.

Every opportunity—from film sets to Fashion Week, luxury weddings, and editorial projects—has shaped me into the artist I am today. I’m proud of the journey, the lessons, and the experiences that have allowed me to build a career centered around artistry, confidence, and creating unforgettable beauty moments.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Some of my proudest moments in my beauty career have come from stepping into spaces that once felt like dreams and proving that my passion, creativity, and dedication could take me there.

One of my greatest accomplishments was serving as a lead makeup artist on a film set. Working in film gave me the opportunity to experience beauty artistry on a completely different level. As lead makeup artist, I was responsible for overseeing the overall beauty direction, creating looks that supported the characters, maintaining continuity throughout filming, collaborating with directors, producers, wardrobe teams, and talent, and ensuring every detail translated perfectly on camera. Film requires a unique understanding of lighting, high-definition cameras, long shooting hours, and the importance of consistency from scene to scene. It challenged me creatively and professionally while allowing me to showcase my ability to work under pressure, lead a team, and bring a creative vision to life.

Another career-defining experience was participating in New York Fashion Week. Being surrounded by some of the most talented artists, designers, models, and creatives in the industry was an unforgettable milestone. Fashion Week taught me the importance of precision, speed, adaptability, and pushing creative boundaries. It allowed me to be part of an environment where beauty is used as a form of storytelling and where every detail—from skin preparation to the final touch of makeup—plays a role in creating an unforgettable look.

During my time in the fashion industry, I had the honor of working alongside influential names such as Claire Sulmers of Fashion Bomb Daily. Being connected to creatives and platforms that celebrate fashion, beauty, and culture allowed me to expand my artistry and gain a deeper appreciation for the impact beauty professionals have in shaping trends and empowering individuals. Experiences like these have continued to inspire me to bring a high level of professionalism, creativity, and luxury to every client experience.

My specialty is creating elevated beauty experiences that enhance natural features while making clients feel confident and unforgettable. My artistry focuses on luxury bridal beauty, soft glam, editorial makeup, runway looks, pageant makeup, and photography-ready beauty. I specialize in creating flawless, camera-ready complexions, timeless makeup looks, and customized styles that complement each client’s personality, features, and vision.

My luxury travel makeup services are designed for clients who value convenience, exclusivity, and a personalized experience. Whether traveling for a wedding, special event, photoshoot, destination celebration, or milestone moment, I provide an elevated beauty experience brought directly to the client. From customized consultations and skin preparation to long-lasting, photo-perfect makeup application, my goal is to create a seamless experience where clients feel pampered, confident, and beautiful.

I have also developed a passion for pageantry, runway, and photography makeup—understanding that each environment requires a different approach. Pageant makeup requires confidence, polish, and the ability to enhance beauty while standing out under stage lighting. Runway makeup requires creativity and the ability to interpret a designer’s vision quickly and effectively. Photography makeup requires precision, dimension, and an understanding of how makeup translates through the lens.

Every opportunity—from film sets to Fashion Week, luxury weddings, and editorial projects—has shaped me into the artist I am today. I’m proud of the journey, the lessons, and the experiences that have allowed me to build a career centered around artistry, confidence, and creating unforgettable beauty moments.

Contact Info:

Woman with styled hair and makeup sitting in a white outfit, surrounded by people in a room with wooden walls.

Makeup artist applying makeup to a woman seated, with another person in the background. Indoor setting with natural light.

Woman in white dress holding a bouquet, sitting on a brown tufted sofa against a white wooden wall.

Woman with makeup and short hair in a cream satin robe, standing indoors with people in the background.

Two women face each other, one applying makeup or skincare to the other's face, in a close-up indoor setting.

Makeup artist applying makeup to a woman with long dark hair, in a room with other people in the background.

Model walking on runway in white lace dress with sheer panels, under a sign that reads 'Fashion Body'.

A woman styles a young girl’s hair in a salon, girl sits on a chair wearing a pink gown, smiling.

Side view of a woman with long dark hair and floral hair accessory, wearing a pink satin dress, against a black background.

Makeup artist applying makeup to a woman with glasses, in a room with other people in the background.

Two women walk on runway in elegant dresses, with audience in background, dim lighting, and spotlight on models.

Two women sitting at a table in a cafe, one holding a cupcake and the other with a phone, in a modern indoor setting.

Woman with styled hair and makeup, wearing a pink and brown corset, raising her right arm, against a plain background.

Model walking on runway in sheer, striped outfit with floral top, audience seated on both sides, fashion show setting.

Suggest a Story: VoyageAlabama is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Related Items

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in Local Stories