We recently had the chance to connect with Autumn Stokes and have shared our conversation below.
Autumn, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
A recent moment that has made me feel proud would be when I passed both portions of my state board exams to practice Esthetics. That’s right, I’m a Licensed Esthetician now! It feels surreal, because I have been studying since I graduated from esthetician school (which was in May). I took my theory portion in September, and I passed successfully on my first try. Now, all I had to take next was my practical portion which was causing me to be hesitant. I’m not even sure why I was second guessing myself because I’m very skilled in my profession and I know the work/services I provide is top tier. It’s safe to say that I successfully passed my practical exam in November, on the first try as well. I truly thank my esthetician school for their knowledge, 1-on-1 practice, and faith of course. I also thank my community who roots for me in every way and shows up for me no matter what! I’m now a Licensed Esthetician and I accept bookings via Instagram – @ohskinbykatorias & Facebook – Oh, Skin! By Katoria S.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Autumn Stokes, and I am a serial entrepreneur. My business ventures are mostly in the beauty realm. My brand that people are most familiar with is Katoria S. Kosmetics LLC. I have two other upcoming brands which is Oh, Skin! By Katoria S., and Oh, Makeup! By Katoria S. All brands are founded/crafted by a licensed esthetician (me). I am also an upcoming Professional Makeup Artist, in Memphis, TN! Katoria S. Kosmetics LLC is a growing & luxurious cosmetics brand. It is black owned & woman owned. My brand is known for selling/creating handmade Lip Glosses, Lip Liners (lippie pencils), Shy Paint (blushes), and Butterfly Mirrors! It will be expanding to offer more such as lipsticks (liquid/solid), eyeshadow palettes, eyebrow pomade, foundations/concealers/bronzers, etc. I want Katoria S. Kosmetics to offer the full 9-yard, but I want my brand to be big on inclusivity and diversity especially when it comes down to shade range, undertones/warm tones/cool tones, etc. As of right now, I work a simple 9-5 while also doing a 5-9 which includes me working on my makeup brand, taking clients for makeup/esthetic services, etc. What makes my brand unique is how it started and the cause. I’ve always wanted to curate my own makeup line for some time now. Seeing the results of my labor is surreal to me. Seeing my logo, my packaging creations, custom colors come to life is an amazing feeling to me and I get to showcase that to the world! My brand was created for individuals who are shy, quirky, socially awkward, sensitive, etc. I fall under those categories because that simply makes me, me! A lot of times, I express myself with bold lip colors and bold makeup ideas because it shows the person I am once I am comfortable. My brand also focuses on the mental health community, because to look your best, you have to feel your best. All individuals form of therapy is different and unique to them. For me, I love retail therapy, makeup therapy, self-care, and actual therapy! When I wake up every day, I always strive to look my best because I know to look good is to feel good! Lastly, my brand was also created as a form to thank my late father. He knew my love and passion I have for makeup/lip gloss, so he took a pique into my interests. I use a lot of symbols in my logo & product launches to somehow show my love and appreciation to my late father! I’m currently rebranding Katoria S. Kosmetics so I can further expand into different products to offer. My next product I plan to focus my sights on are Lipsticks! I can’t wait to explore down this journey; this could just be the signature product that takes Katoria S. Kosmetics international!
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
This may be a cliche answer, but it’s true. My mom saw me clearly before I could see myself. Growing up, I didn’t really have the confidence to go after my dreams, and sometimes I still struggle with it. I think it’s my fear of being seen especially in a successful light. To me, that means more attention (whether it is positive/negative). Of course, you should want attention especially if it’s for your brand or your dreams get to come true. However, I always second guessed myself a lot, but my mom always encourages me. She knew I would do it because of my potential and drive. Sometimes, I feel guilty for second guessing myself especially when I know I have a mother of strong faith and believes I can do anything I put my mind to. I earned two degrees (working on the third one), went to esthetician school, graduated & now I’m a Licensed Esthetician. I don’t know why I worry so much about my future because I know it will be something great. I’m always working and striving towards my goals because it is important that I accomplish my goals I have set. I’ve been told by many that I am very ambitious and that’s true because I want a future, I can be proud of. I want a legacy I can pass down to future generations and be proud of that work. So, it’s safe to say that my mom has always seen the true and authentic version of me before I could see my own potential!
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear of being seen. This is actually something I still struggle with. For me, the fear of being seen can mean multiple things. Having a lot of attention positively/negatively. Inauthentic characteristics (meaning seeing things/people for what they truly are). Lastly, understanding the power I possess as a young black lady. I’m trying to tap into assertiveness as a young black leader. Often times, whenever I am in networking spaces, I’m usually the youngest person in the room. I try to use that to my advantage because I am still young and learning. However, that fear stops now. I have too much potential and so many goals I want to crush for the upcoming 2026 year, it’s ridiculous. I believe that knowledge is power. I always strive to educate myself because I want so much for myself! I cannot wait to take you all on this journey with me because it will be so great for me, my brands, my career path, etc! Here’s to taking more risks in 2026!
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
The projects I am committed to is Katoria S. Kosmetics LLC, Oh, Skin! By Katoria S., and Oh, Makeup! By Katoria S. I know businesses takes time to thrive and meet its potential. A lot of brands in the beauty industry wasn’t created overnight. It took a lot of blood, sweat, tears, education, and hard work to get those brands to where they are. It’s the end of 2025, but I have so many goals of where I would like my beauty brands to be at in 2026 and so forth. I have some more projects in mind, but I’ll save those for when the time is right! Stay tuned.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Have you ever gotten what you wanted, and found it did not satisfy you?
I wouldn’t say I’m not satisfied with my accomplishments, but the bar gets higher. For example, I graduated esthetician school + I am now a Licensed Esthetician. It’s kind of like, now what? I know I want to fulfill my journey of practicing makeup professionally, building clientele for skincare services, makeup services, and building clientele for my beauty brand. I believe that’s the thing about being ambitious, the bar keeps going up. It’s not that you’re not satisfied with your accomplishments/achievements, but it’s like, what’s next for me to achieve/accomplish? This is another thing I struggle with a lot. Oftentimes I compare myself to other people, but I have to remember everyone is on their own journey at their own pace. Some people might get to their goals quicker because they were ready for it, showed up consistently, and put in the work. I always try to remind myself that it’s not a race, but it is my journey! I have accomplished a lot for my age and sometimes I often forget that! So, please be grateful and appreciative especially towards yourself!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://katoriaskosmetics.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katoriaskosmetics/
- Twitter: https://x.com/katoriasko
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katoriaskosmetics
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@katoriaskosmeticsllc
