Earlier this year I had the pleasure of doing an interview with Mel Thompson. Mel mentioned that she owed her start on YouTube to her friend Kelsee. Since my blog strongly supports strong interpersonal relationships, I had to do a little research and find out exactly who Kelsee was. She turned out to be the kind of friend that we all wish we had; funny, smart, and supportive. As I learned about Kelsee I was sure I would love to sit down with her and talk about everything from books to make up to life’s great mysteries. 

I’m sure as you read about Kelsee you will find her every bit as enjoyable and delightful as I have. We all need a friend like Kelsee! We should all BE a friend like Kelsee!

Tell me about your career. You started your YouTube channel in October of 2010. What were your goals when you began?

When I began my channel in October of 2010, I did not have any specific goals for my channel. Back then, YouTube was pretty much a hobby for everyone, so the idea of YouTube being a career didn’t exist. I just wanted an outlet to share my love for all thing beauty with others who loved makeup/tutorials. I began my channel when I moved to a new city and did not have any friends. Through YouTube, I was able to connect online with others to fill the void of being “the new girl” in real life! YouTube was my solace.

You’ve been on YouTube almost a decade. How has your approach to content changed in that period? What are the best things you have learned? What is the most positive change you have seen on YouTube during this time?

It seems crazy that I have had my channel for close to a decade! My approach has definitely evolved as technology, trends, and my knowledge of the beauty industry has expanded. Back when I initially began my channel, I would post content whenever I felt like it, now I post way more regularly. This is the biggest change as I film and edit more frequently as well as try almost every new product on the market. The best things that I have learned are to be patient as well as to be consistent, people like to know what to expect. The most positive change I have seen on YouTube is the expansion of the cosmetic industry. I like that the beauty industry engages with their customers to create more inclusive products as well as showcase diverse imagery.


Our readers first heard from you when Mel Thompson mentioned your friendship in her interview. You clearly share a special friendship. How did your friendship begin? What is the best gift of your friendship?

Mel is such an amazing friend! We met when she would come to the MAC counter where I worked. We grew extremely close when she got a job there as a MAC Artist. Though we no longer work at the counter, we have remained super tight! The best gift of our friendship is that we both value honesty, kindness, and humor! She’s super supportive, and I love that I can call her my best friend!

Being supportive of others and “making others great” is something my blog champions. You have epitomized that through your friendship with Mel. How can others benefit from your leadership in “making others great”? Why do you feel supporting others is important?

It is important to support others in their endeavors. Life is all about making connections and exerting our best effort to be as happy as possible. If one is in a position to “make others great”, why not? Just because you share your fire to light someone else’s candle, doesn’t mean that your candle won’t still burn. I am a firm believer that what is for YOU…is for YOU, so no one can take something or an opportunity away that you are destined for.

The second video you made in October of 2010 was in support of breast cancer awareness. As a 20-year breast cancer survivor I want to thank you for your support. Why is bringing awareness of this disease important to you?

That’s amazing that you are a 20-year survivor! Bringing awareness to this disease is important to me as it affects so many women. I have not been personally affected by Breast Cancer, but its prevalence caused me to take notice. I felt that it would be a great cause to support by creating a look to honor those who are touched in any way by this ailment.

You mentioned that every little black girl needs to read the book “The Coldest Winter Ever: A Novel”. Why? What was your biggest takeaway from the book?

You’ve done your research because I don’t even remember making this statement (HAHA!) This book was very instrumental in my introduction of how living a fast, hard life may seem glamorous on the surface, but is not always what it’s cracked up to be. As a little girl, I grew up pretty sheltered, so reading was my outlet to better understand people from different walks of life. “The Coldest Winter Ever” taught me lessons on what NOT to do, and I feel that certain elements of the book mirrored battles that many African American women may face.

Ok, we’ve talked about a number of heavier topics. Let’s talk about the sheer joy and delight a number of your joint videos with Mel bring. (For example: KelMel giveaway, Sh*t Beauty Gurus Say, Bloopers etc.). Have you thought about doing more humorous collaborations with Mel?

Absolutely. We have discussed different video concepts, but our scheduling is always a conflict. Mel also lives about an hour away in the country, so going to her house is like going out of town lol! We will collaborate in the future, so it’s not a matter of IF…it’s definitely WHEN…so stayed tuned ; )

You’ve done a number of remakes of famous women’s looks (Rihanna, Beyoncé, JLo, Nicki Minaj). Who is your favorite celebrity whose look you have recreated and why! What famous celebrity would you still like to re-create a look for and why?

Celebrity recreations are always so fun, so it’s impossible to pick a favorite. But if I have to choose, I will pick recreating Rihanna’s look because she is SOOOOOO daring with her makeup. This is why her creating a beauty brand was such a natural fit. I just adore her!

You graduated from college in 2013. What was your major? How has college prepared you for a career on YouTube? 

I graduated from undergrad in 2013 with a degree in Education, but I have never taught in a traditional manner. I took a few years off and went back to school for my MBA in Marketing which I completed in 2017while I was on the road touring with Grammy Award Winning Singer, Jill Scott. Because of the strenuous tour schedule, I was unable to attend my graduation, so I never publicly acknowledged finishing that degree until now! I actually am currently enrolled in school to complete my Doctorate in Business which is a lifelong goal of mine. School has helped prepare me for so many aspects of my life, especially regarding my YouTube career. School taught me technological skills to have the aptitude to maintain a channel, as well as communication skills to effectively connect with my KelBelles!

What are your top five favorite high end must have products? What are your top five drugstore must have products?

These are all subject to change, but I’ve used these products for years, so they deserve some shine.

Top Five High End

  1. La Mer The Soft Fluid Long Wear Foundation
  2. Guerlain Terracotta Bronzer
  3. Tom Ford Eye Defining Pen
  4. Any Pat McGrath Palette
  5. Tom Ford Universal Appeal Lipstick

Top Five Drugstore

  1. Milani Conceal + Perfect Concealer
  2. Covergirl Trublend Matte Made Foundation
  3. Salon Perfect Lashes
  4. KISS Lash Glue
  5. Neutrogena Night Calming Makeup Removing Towelettes

Think about 5 years from now. Where do you see yourself?

In five years, I would love to still be connecting with my KelBelles, whether on YouTube, Instagram, or whatever platform that exists! I hope to be happy, and doing what I love, which is sharing my love for makeup with others who share this same passion! Smooches, Kelsee

Please include any sources that people can use to connect with you.