Not your ordinary makeover, Pocatello woman turns people into works of art
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POCATELLO — From funky, eye-popping hair colors to fantastical Halloween characters and elaborate full-body paintings, KayLee Carr can transform just about anyone into a walking work of art.
And she does it all from one of the coolest little loft studios in Old Town Pocatello.
Carr, owner of KayLee Carr Beauty, is not your ordinary hairstylist or makeup artist. Her talents go far beyond cuts, colors and traditional makeovers, extending into a world of artistic creations limited only by the imagination.
Whether she’s turning someone into a movie character, creating a spooky Halloween masterpiece, or dreaming up an entirely original look, Carr has turned her love of art into a thriving business.
“I am definitely neurodivergent. Nothing is typical,” she said.
And that’s exactly how she likes it.
Where beauty meets imagination
An American Falls native and Century High School graduate, Carr has spent nine years building a career in the beauty industry specializing in haircuts, styling and coloring, with a particular passion for bold, creative looks.
“I love doing fashion colors and blonding,” she said.
But it’s her extraordinary makeup artistry that sets her apart.
From elaborate face paintings to full-body transformations, Carr uses an assortment of professional products, including water and oil-based paints, eyeshadows, colorful foundations and concealers, to bring her creations to life.
While she received formal training from Idaho State University’s cosmetology program, Carr’s extraordinary makeup artistry comes from a natural talent she has developed largely on her own.
“I just picked up a paint brush and started painting and practicing on my brother,” she said. “And I never stopped.”
What started as experimentation has blossomed into a specialty that includes Halloween makeup, special occasions, photography sessions and custom artistic projects.
Carr said most elaborate face paintings take about three hours to complete, but some of her more intricate creations have taken more than 10 hours, including her transformation of Disney’s Oogie Boogie character from “The Nightmare Before Christmas.”
Carr also works alongside business partner Ashlee Meldrum of Intimate Impressions, collaborating on bridal, boudoir and other custom photo shoots.
Together with fellow businesswoman Whitney Smith, they operate under the umbrella of Impressions Salon and Studio, a creative space that brings beauty, photography and artistic expression together under one roof.
Although Carr loves the artistic freedom her career provides, she says the people are what make it worthwhile.
“I got into this business because of the art and to fill a niche, but I stay because of the people. I love hearing the stories and visiting with all of the amazing people who sit in my chair.”
A studio with a personality all its own
The creativity doesn’t stop with Carr’s makeup brushes.
Impressions Salon & Studio, located above Gate City Coffee at 312 W. Center St., is a destination in itself, offering a bird’s-eye view of historic downtown Pocatello.
Step inside the salon, and you’ll find an eclectic mix of antiques, plants, vintage treasures and imaginative decor that makes the studio feel more like an artist’s retreat than a traditional beauty salon.
One of its most eye-catching features is a handmade photography backdrop created from damaged books, dried flowers, Easter eggs and vintage jewelry.
The idea came to Carr in a dream.
“I dreamed about doing this one night and the idea stuck in my brain,” she said.
Soon, people began donating old books and jewelry to help bring her vision to life, but the project was no small undertaking.
“I can’t count the hours that it took to complete but it was at least one week of just folding books,” she said.
The finished creation is a one-of-a-kind backdrop that reflects Carr’s imaginative spirit and love of giving old things new life. It’s also become a popular spot for clients and community members to stop and snap a photo.
Another conversation piece is a wall covered with vintage local newspapers discovered in the building, dating back to the 1950s and 1960s.
The papers include editions of the Idaho State Journal complete with old advertisements, comics and news stories giving a rare peek into Pocatello’s past.
Finding her place in Old Town
For Carr, being part of the Old Town Pocatello business community is another reason to love what she does.
She appreciates the character of the historic downtown buildings, the neighboring businesses and the sense of community that continues to grow in the area.
“I want to see growth and love continue to come to old town. It’s a great feeling,” she said.
And whether she’s working on a dramatic hair color, a picture-perfect bridal look or a fantastical Halloween transformation, Carr is happy to have found a place where her creativity can run wild.
Kaylee Carr Beauty operates by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, text 208-241-2087 or book through Impressions Salon and Studio.
Carr also shares her work on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.