Get To Know Annalee Kemsley
We chat with Annalee Kemsley, a close friend of Rise & Shines and an incredibly talented Makeup Artist based in New Plymouth who produces some of the best quality content in NZ!
1. Tell us about yourself – what does a typical day for Annalee look like?
As a self-employed Makeup Artist, Content Creator, and co-founder of a magazine publication, my daily routine varies drastically, but one thing is always constant: it always starts with a bucket of coffee (New Plymouth produces some of the best!). Throughout the week, I plan and create content creation for various brands. The duration of each project can range from a single day to several days, as I like to prioritise the creation of high-quality content that effectively tells each brand's unique story.
Towards the end of the week from Thursday to Saturday, my focus shifts to providing makeup services to clients, which could include one-on-one tutorials, workshops, bridal parties, or special occasions. In the midst of it all, I manage to find pockets of time to work on a local magazine that I co-founded with two friends.
Typically, I maintain a six-day workweek, but at my own pace which is one of the things I love most about being self-employed. Sundays for much-needed quality time with friends and family, and occasionally throughout the week as well.
2. What are a few of your current must-have products?
Brazilian Bum Bum Cream from Sol De Janeiro is the ultimate summer body cream
Sea Salt and Wood Sage fragrance from Jo Malone is my everyday go-to scent
Forever Florence Candle from Glasshouse Fragrances is always burning at home
3. How has pregnancy been for you so far or differed from your expectations?
Pregnancy has been everything I thought it would be especially in the first trimester, haha I had a very low bar for what to expect. Week 8-12 were definitely the hardest with all-day nausea fog and fatigue which was difficult to combat while still needing to work and keeping it a secret but now that I’m into my second trimester I feel so much better and like myself again.
4. What’s your favourite type of content to create?
Honestly, it’s hard to say, that’s what I love about the industry – the variety of being creative.
However, recently, I've been leaning towards sharing more mini tutorials and how-to videos with my audience. It's been incredible to witness the increased viewership, engagement, and saves these videos are generating. It's evident that people genuinely appreciate and value the content as they're learning something new. I find this especially valuable as a creator in a rapidly evolving industry—maintaining a sense of purpose and providing value to my followers is paramount.
5. You’re known for your exceptional quality and engaging content creation, what do you think sets you apart from other content creators?
When a brand has a story, a personality, and a strong branding presence, it’s so important to lean into that and understand who they are and what their vision is. Once I’ve identified that I will put together mood boards of how best I can represent that brand when it comes to storytelling. Working with very talented local creative people such as my videographer friend Mark Lahood also really helps bring that all to life for me. He is so good at capturing cinematic films that really do storytelling justice – our goal is to always create captivating/escapism moments in time for people.
6. What gets you excited about a client brief?
When they give you free rein to do what you do best!
7. What’s something exciting that you’re working on at the moment?
At the moment, anything Christmas related! I loveeeeeeeeee Christmas, so I’d say the upcoming Glasshouse Fragrance campaigns I have in the pipe line.