Meet Khera Alexander, Makeup Artist, Beauty Writer, and WOI+ Senior Editor

Khera Alexander is a makeup artist, beauty writer, and editor at WOI+. First interested in beauty as a competitive dancer, she channelled that passion into artistry. As a makeup artist, Khera has worked for clients like KNIX, Shopify, VICE Canada, and Refinery29, and has collaborated with brands like MERIT Beauty and The Detox Market. As an avid book and magazine reader, she also became interested in learning how to tell a compelling story. 

With a B.A. in Communications and Media Studies, Khera is a regular contributing writer at Byrdie and the Zoe Report (TZR), sharing tips and insights from an educational and easily digestible perspective. As the Senior Editor at WOI+, she works with the Head of Media to provide the community with valuable content, actionable advice, and inspirational stories.

My first job ever was… babysitting my next-door neighbour’s three kids at 13 years old.

Before I was part of the WOI+ team, I was… working in marketing full-time, freelance beauty writing, and doing makeup on the weekends.

My favourite thing about working for Women of Influence+ is… learning from and about enterprising women and gender-diverse folks across different industries — their stories are inspirational and remind me to never apologize for being ambitious. I also love working with the WOI+ team! We support each other and really want to bring value to this community.

I’m passionate about what I do because… I enjoy being able to merge my interests and skills in a way that makes sense for me and is most fulfilling to me. 

I entered my field because… I was always interested in beauty and media. Growing up, I was constantly reading books and magazines (Allure, Teen Vogue, ESSENCE, and Elle Canada were some of my favourites), and I would spend my babysitting money on beauty products. I liked reading stories about women with interesting careers and I enjoyed being able to creatively express myself with makeup. Pursuing a career that involved these two elements made the most sense to me.

One of the most important things I’ve learned about myself so far is… that I’m quite determined.

My proudest accomplishment was… writing for one of my favourite beauty publications.

My biggest setback was… graduating from University without knowing anyone in my field or having a network. When I was a full-time student, I also worked full-time; I didn’t participate in placements or complete any unpaid internships — these were activities I just couldn’t afford to do.

I overcame it by… working a number of jobs I didn’t like with specific goals in mind, often simultaneously. One job may have been for experience, another may have been to pay bills, and one may have been to meet people I could learn from and make connections.   

The best advice I’ve ever received was… if you don’t ask, it’s a no. 

The one piece of advice I give that I have trouble following myself is… the things that happen — or don’t happen — may not make sense initially, but they have a way of sorting themselves out and preparing you for the future. It’s all true, but can I know what the future is today?! I need to work on getting more comfortable with the unknown. 

I surprise people when I tell them… that I’m an introvert. So much of my work consists of socializing and being around people, but I recharge alone and love my own company.

If I had an extra hour in the day, I would… read for fun or go for more bike rides.

At the end of the day, I unwind by… watching cooking shows or reality TV.

The thing I love most about what I do is… that each day is different; I could be on set doing makeup one day, working with the WOI+ team on content the next, or testing out a bunch of beauty products for a piece the next.  

If you googled me, you still wouldn’t know… that I love go-karting! The faster the better.

I stay inspired by… friends and fellow entrepreneurs that are constantly challenging themselves and putting themselves out there. 

The future excites me because… I can continue to make my dreams a reality.