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Today’s post features an interview with a personal friend of mine, Amy. She started a freelance makeup business, Makeup by Amy S, and has been killing it! She’s also a wife, and mother of 3 young kids. It’s amazing how she manages it all and her story is incredibly inspiring, I hope you enjoy!
Can you tell me about your business and your background?
My business is a freelance makeup business. I provide makeup and hair services to people at a location of their choice. I work with clients that need services for birthday parties, weddings, photo shoots, runway shows, etc.
I was licensed in 2010 at the Academy for Salon Professionals in Santa Clara, trained and certified by Mac cosmetics. I then went to work in the spa industry, while doing makeup for weddings on the side. I continued my education with Kryolan Professional Makeup and Lola cosmetics.
What are your typical rates per client, how many hours per week do you work, how much monthly income are you bringing in?
My typical rates for clients range from $65-120 per person. I try to keep all of my pricing extremely simple and straight forward to avoid confusing or frustrating the client. I work anywhere from 2 to 4 days a week and have gotten to the point where my business has replaced the income I used to make working full-time! It took me about 3 months to get to this level.
What made you decide to start your own business?
I always knew I wanted to own my own business. I never liked someone telling me where to go, what to wear, and what time to do things. I always knew I wanted to be my own boss. I loved the challenge of creating an entire business model by myself. I knew what I was capable of so I knew that any business I ventured into would eventually be a success.
How have you been able to grow your business so quickly?
Honestly, once I made the decision to make this my “job” I dove in head first. I committed all of my down time to building this business and turning it into something I was proud of. I built my website and social media pages and immediately started to network with other professionals in the industry. I used all possible avenues to getting my name out to as many people as possible . I started sending out quotes to customers on Gigsalad and Thumbtack, and that lead to a ton of referrals.
What’s the best business advice you’ve ever been given?
I went to a business seminar a few months ago and the speaker said, “Never listen to broke people.” At that time it sounded a little harsh, but the point he was trying to make was don’t take advice from someone who hasn’t done what you are trying to do and been successful at it. When starting a business, you tend to get a lot of advice from a lot of people, and I think its important to listen to the people who are experienced and successful in a similar field.
Who is someone you’re inspired by?
My uncle has been by far one of my biggest inspirations. After leaving the Air Force, he opened a salon in the Bay Area. He turned that salon into one of the most beautiful, successful, high-end salons in the area. He then decided to open a cosmetology school so people could receive amazing training from top brands and teachers. He gave hundreds of people an outlet into their dream careers, including me. I could only dream to accomplish what he has in his lifetime.
What are some things you’ve learned throughout this process?
I have learned so much throughout this process. I was never a computer savvy person, so this has given me the push to gain better technical skills. I’ve also learned a lot about how to deal with different customers so that I can deliver the best service possible. There is so much that goes into freelance makeup. To be successful, you need to look at it like an actual business. Some people think it involves just going to someone’s home to do makeup, but there is so much more that goes into it.
What advice would you have for people wanting to start their own business?
Don’t be scared to ask for help! Use your resources. Your family, friends, acquaintances; there is always someone wiser than you. Reach out to others in the same field and see how they got started and ask for their advice.
Is this something anyone could learn to do? Would you recommend it?
I’m not going to lie, I think it takes certain personality traits to build a business and make it successful. It takes a lot of hard work, little sleep, dedication, and drive. You definitely need the “I won’t fail” mentality. I think it helps to have dreams and goals to work towards. Having the motivation and passion for what you are doing is the first step to your success.
Thanks Amy for sharing your story, feel free to leave any questions you have for her in the comments section below!