Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in beauty and cosmetics but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Abby Weitz, owner of Abby Lauren Makeup and Hair, located in New York, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a Makeup and Hair team located in NYC. We specialize in natural makeup and work with lots of brides who aren’t huge everyday makeup wearers.
Tell us about yourself
I’ve been obsessed with makeup since childhood. My grandmother introduced me to makeup at the age of TWO! I was hooked from then, and when I graduated high school, I went to college for about one month. I was really unhappy there and felt like college just wasn’t really for me. So my grandmother told me to drop out and go to cosmetology school. I come from a family of doctors, so she had to get on the phone with my parents and explain that I was an artist like her and that I should be able to explore my interest in makeup as a career. Seventeen years later and I’m still obsessed and in love with makeup!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
That’s a really hard question to answer. I'm a perfectionist and always striving for the next level, so I think continual growth is a huge accomplishment. I guess you could say that’s been a huge accomplishment over the years, and we’re still growing! I'm really proud of my team and myself for how far we’ve come growth-wise! As a business owner, longevity is a huge factor for me.
Let’s keep this going/growing for as long as we can!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
All of the back-end work. Finding and auditioning new artists, chatting with clients, scheduling, payroll, and managing a team, while still working as a makeup artist and hairstylist can get a bit overwhelming. But it’s totally worth it, and I wouldn’t change a thing (yet). Lol
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Find your niche! What makes you stand out from your competitors?
- Be yourself- I genuinely have booked clients before they’ve even worked with me after chatting on the phone. I’m very straightforward with our policies and try to be as fair as possible while still maintaining a sense of humor and letting my corny, fuzzy inner child come out when she feels the need.
- Treat your staff fair! Pay them well, let them know you appreciate them, compliment their work ethic, and always let them know they’re a valuable team member! I wouldn’t be where I am right now without my team
And always have that in the back of my mind, even when making big decisions.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.abbylaurenmakeup.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbylaurenmakeup/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbylaurenmakeup/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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