Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaylee Roberts.
Kaylee, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I never imagined my life would straddle such different worlds—balancing being an ironworker as well as, makeup and, photography. But each of these paths has shaped who I am. My first passion was photography. I joined my yearbook club and was able to borrow the schools camera to take photos for year book. That then led to me being able to take senior photos for people who needed them. After I graduated high-school I bought my first camera with my savings and graduation money. Im purely self-taught. I’ve always loved music, so I wanted to be involved in the music scene in St. Louis. I started out my photography career in taking photos at venues for bands! I then branched out into wedding photography, families, couples, maternity, newborns, events, and so much more. I never put a limit on my photography. I’ve been doing it for 8 years now and counting. I’ve also had a passion for makeup for a long time, specifically special effects, but also glam. I am also a self taught makeup artist. I hesitated for years to incorporate makeup into my business because I thought it would be a strange combination but ended up being the best decision ever and made so much sense to combine the two. Now, I can offer makeup for people who want to look and feel their best in front of the camera, and also offer my services to brides that also book my photography. Now, for my journey as an ironworker. Being an ironworker wasnt a part of my original life plan but It all started with a conversation with my father, who is also an ironworker. I was on the lookout to make more money as I built my business. I was waitressing and doing photography, but it wasn’t cutting it to pay the bills. Especially since the restaurant shut down for a while due to covid. I hesitated for a long time when he asked me if ironwork was something I would like to do. He told me it was an amazing career and he wasnt wrong. I really thought only men could do this trade. I was so wrong. At the start of 2020 I took my dad’s advice and applied to my local union hall (local 396) in St. Louis. From the beginning, the few women that are in my local guided me through working in a male dominated field, and I am also thankful for the guys that stepped up too and my amazing teachers in my apprenticeship program. I graduated my apprenticeship after 4 years and I am now a journeyman ironworker and a certified welder. I have worked on some amazing projects in the St. louis area I am so grateful to have been a part of them. Like the new BJC hospital and the WASHU research center.
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?
Definitely not. If you’ve ever started a business from scratch you know it’s not going to be easy. You do things you never planned on doing just so you can get the job done but it makes you stronger. I never planned to be an ironworker to help fund my business. I never planned on having to be physically and mentally tough at the same time. But being out in the trades field has really tested my strength. Alot of people ask me if being a female in a male dominated industry is tough. In general the guys treat me well and are respectful. The one big struggle being a woman ironworker is the Johnny bathrooms haha. They’re gross.
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?
When it comes to photography I am well known for my concert photos and weddings. When it comes to makeup I am well known for my special effects and when it comes to ironwork I’m known for my welding skills. I am most proud of believing in myself. The fact that even when there were no clients I went out and did shoots for free to build my portfolio and kept pushing because it is my passion. I’m proud of myself for taking the leap of adding makeup to my business. I would say my work ethic sets me apart, my creativity and my bubbly personality. I always want people to feel comfortable infront of the camera. I love making women feel beautiful in their own skin. I think I have been focusing on that alot lately when it comes to my photography and makeup
What are your plans for the future?
I am looking forward to and I plan to join a studio very soon or buy one of my own.
Pricing:
- I have pricing on my website
Contact Info:
- Website: kayleescanvas.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kayleescanvas?igsh=MXNsZHcycjY5b2x3Yw==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DeZokuZm4/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@kayleelynn?si=tI7Ssfzr15QBHSMk
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@kayleethewelder?_t=ZT-8t8H8I2HT3a&_r=1
