Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in beauty and cosmetics but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Amy Maetche, owner of Joielene Artistry, located in Calgary, AB, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Hello! My name is Amy, and I am a PMU (permanent makeup) artist and a professional internationally certified makeup artist. I offer permanent eyebrows, eyeliner, and lip blush tattoos, as well as makeup applications. Whether you are looking for makeup for a wedding or special occasion or for something more permanent (PMU can last up to 3+ years), I’ve got you covered.
I love what I do because I get to work on so many men and women of all ages and ethnicities and have been able to make strong connections while making them feel more beautiful and confident in their own skin. I also offer free brow services to those who have lost their brows due to cancer and alopecia.
I’m so grateful for all my amazing clients who’ve put their trust in me and let me live out my dream!
Tell us about yourself
I have been in the beauty industry since I was in high school when I worked at a beauty boutique at a drug store. I started out as a makeup artist, and I loved the artistic outlet as well as the boost of confidence I was able to give my clients when doing their makeup. I always had clients joke about how they should have me do their makeup every morning, so getting into PMU just made sense. I was then able to give my clients that same boost of confidence but on a larger scale.
I now have six years of experience in PMU and ten years of experience in makeup, holding 13 certificates. My passion for this industry is what motivates me. When you are living out your passion, it doesn’t really feel like work. I get to wake up every morning to go to a job I truly love.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Shortly after getting certified in makeup artistry, I attained my first dream job of working for MAC Cosmetics. I have had my work published in multiple magazines and worked on set for TV, film, and fashion shows. I have more recently had the opportunity to speak on the PMU School podcast by the American Academy of Micropigmentation.
I am now training others in the art of PMU and showing them how to build their own businesses. It’s so rewarding to be able to share my knowledge and see my students succeed.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest part of running a business is finding a work-life balance. As a PMU artist, it’s so much more than just doing services for clients. There is also admin work, cleaning, ordering supplies, continued education, practicing my craft, and content creation. Time management can be hard, so it’s important to schedule time for self-care, family, and friends.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Get started now! It’s always going to be scary starting something new. But wouldn’t you rather start now rather than look back a year from now and wish you were further ahead?
- Don’t worry about what other people are doing or what others may think. Stay in your own lane and try to be better than you were yesterday.
- Mistakes are part of the process. Mistakes are a learning opportunity, and you can make changes to do better next time.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Entrepreneurship is a journey full of ups and downs but being your own boss and creating your own opportunities makes every minute so worth it.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://joieleneartistry.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joieleneartistry/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amyjoielene.artistry/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.
