Bringing You Modern Yet Timeless Beauty - Anabelle LaGuardia
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in beauty and cosmetics but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Anabelle LaGuardia, owner of Anabelle LaGuardia Makeup Artistry, located in New York, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am an NYC area freelance makeup artist, owner, and operator of Anabelle LaGuardia Makeup Artistry. I provide on-location makeup services to clients looking for makeup for weddings and special events, makeup lessons, headshots, family, maternity, and boudoir shoots. I also provide makeup and light hair services for corporate clients and commercial work on photo and video shoots. I also retail a makeup and skincare line.
Tell us about yourself
My love of makeup artistry began with my mother, who had an innate ability to do her own makeup like a pro! I always loved and had an ability for art and a love for makeup. Makeup was a natural hobby for me that grew into a career. The reactions I receive from happy clients who appreciate my work and how I make them look and feel are what inspire me. I enjoy working with people and learning about their lives and what makes them tick.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Working as a professional makeup artist for nearly 25 years and surviving the crush on our industry with the pandemic.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
No matter how short or long your career is, you must learn to ride the waves and the storms and not compare your path or success to others. It is essential to learn how to evolve with the industry and to continue to put the work into your business to see the growth you desire. This is not an easy industry, and when you are in a saturated market, it is crucial to show your worth in what makes you and your services different and desirable to the market you wish to work with.
Even the most successful artists have moments of doubt and want to quit. It is important to stay inspired and to seek support from your fellow pros. Other artist connections and relationships in this industry go a very long way in helping to grow your talent, knowledge, and referrals.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Study with an accredited makeup school.
- Assist seasoned makeup professionals.
- Constantly continue with makeup and business education.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
It is important to not only be strong in your artistry skills, but too many artists fail to learn the business side of the industry. You must learn how to run your business in terms of setting up a website and a professional email, acquiring liability and kit insurance, practicing proper kit sanitation, creating contracts and deal memos to protect yourself, learning how to set your rates for your level of experience and the market you work in, and how to build a professional makeup kit.
Your online presence is as important as your skill level. Many trusted seasoned makeup professionals and business coaches offer classes to elevate your business skills and online presence. Lastly, as tempting as it may be to work for the plethora of on-demand beauty apps out there to fill gaps in your schedule, please avoid them at all costs. While the concept is great, they undercut the industry terribly, and you are working for far below industry rates than what makeup artists should be making.
This, in turn, hurts our industry, and the perception of value is diminished, causing clients to assume your time is worth less. Undercutting your rates not only hurts the industry and other artists, but it hurts you. You must learn to work smarter and not harder and to support your industry and fellow artists. Many of your artist contacts will refer you and vice versa, so it is important to build and treasure those connections and relationships.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://anabellemakeup.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anabellemakeup/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/anabellemakeup
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anabelle-laguardia-8ab4868/
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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