Today we’d like to introduce you to Nyamuoch Kuay.
Hi Nyamuoch, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My Journey Into Esthetics — Kuay Beauty
My journey in the beauty industry began a year or two after graduating high school, when I started doing makeup for small photoshoots with friends who were involved in Utah’s modeling community. Many of the models I worked with were women with deeper skin tones, largely because that was the community I was surrounded by. Through those early experiences, I began developing my skills, building my confidence, and discovering my passion for beauty. As my work grew and I began getting paid opportunities, I realized I wanted to take my career more seriously.
I decided to attend esthetics school to expand my knowledge, obtain my license, and build a stronger professional foundation for my work in makeup and beauty. However, once I began my education, I discovered a gap in the skincare industry, particularly when it came to addressing the unique needs of people of color. I realized that there was an opportunity to combine my passion for makeup with corrective skincare while helping create a more inclusive experience for clients with diverse skin tones.
Living and working in Utah made this especially important to me, as I recognized how difficult it could be to find an aesthetician with specialized knowledge of skin of color. I wanted my clients to feel understood, represented, and confident that their skincare concerns were being addressed with care and education.
Throughout my training, I made it a priority to deepen my understanding of corrective skincare and advanced treatments, including facials, chemical peels & microneedling, with a particular focus on how these treatments can be approached safely for melanin-rich skin. I wanted to build the knowledge and experience necessary to serve my clients thoughtfully, rather than simply offer treatments without understanding the skin they were designed to treat.
In 2025, I opened Kuay Beauty and brought my business back to Utah, where I felt this work was especially needed. Today, my goal is to combine my background in makeup with my passion for skincare to help people of all skin types feel confident in their skin, while continuing to advocate for greater education, representation, and inclusivity for people of color in the beauty industry.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Building a business in the beauty industry has come with challenges, from learning how to navigate entrepreneurship to finding my place in an industry where I felt there was still a lack of representation and education surrounding skin of color.
One of my biggest challenges has been building a business in Utah while trying to create a space where people with deeper skin tones feel understood and confident in the care they receive. I’ve had to be intentional about educating myself, continuing to develop my skills, and making sure I’m providing treatments that are appropriate for different skin types and concerns.
Another challenge has been learning to balance the creative side of my work with the business side of entrepreneurship. Being passionate about what you do is one thing, but learning how to market yourself, build clientele, and grow a sustainable business takes patience, consistency, and a lot of trial and error.
Despite those challenges, I’ve learned that growth rarely happens in a straight line. Every obstacle has pushed me to become more knowledgeable, more resilient, and more confident in the purpose behind Kuay Beauty. I’m learning to trust the process and remind myself that building something meaningful takes time. For me, it’s about more than just running a business; it’s about creating a space where people feel seen, cared for, and confident in their skin.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Kuay Beauty is a skincare and beauty business based in Sandy, Utah, specializing in customized facials, chemical peels, microneedling, and makeup. While I welcome all skin types, I’m especially passionate about treating melanin-rich skin and addressing concerns like acne and hyperpigmentation.
What sets Kuay Beauty apart is my commitment to education, inclusivity, and helping clients feel understood and confident in their skin. I’m proud to be building a brand that helps fill a gap in skincare for people of color while providing thoughtful, personalized care. As Kuay Beauty grows, I’m excited to expand in 2027 new ways of supporting confidence, self-care, and overall body wellness.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is to be patient with yourself and understand that everyone’s journey looks different. It’s easy to compare your progress to others, but I’ve learned that taking the time to understand what you truly want and what success means to you is just as important as reaching your goals.
I’ve learned that growth takes time, and it’s okay for your path to change as you learn more about yourself. Not everything has to happen all at once. Sometimes, the challenges and unexpected detours are what help you gain clarity and become more confident in your direction. I would encourage anyone pursuing a dream to give themselves grace, trust their process, and remember that building something meaningful is a journey, not a race.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mysite.vagaro.com/kuaybeauty
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kuaybeauty?mdxt=MW12cDdld2cyNzhvOQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
