Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in hair and makeup but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Nicolette Brycki, Founder of Cosmetique Makeup Artistry, located in Penn Valley, PA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I am a woman-owned boutique makeup artistry company. My clients include brides, entrepreneurs, production companies, and high-profile people. I also offer private lessons to those interested in learning how to do their makeup. The other branch of my business involves TV work. As a beauty and lifestyle expert, you can find me on TV screens nationwide, sharing the coolest trends and hottest brands.

Tell us about yourself

I left my career teaching high school French to open Chic Cosmetique Makeup Artistry. I conceptualized the name one day as I lay on a beach in the South of France. Makeup artistry initially started from a place of curiosity, but it slowly grew as women appreciated my talent and wanted to book me for their biggest events. The growth happened by intentional accident if that makes any sense! As a child, I was an art student, so I had the art foundation to apply to makeup artistry. I also took courses to understand sanitation and work with other people. I absolutely love to make women feel their very best! There is very much an art form to makeup artistry too, and as a fine artist, I appreciate the creativity and originality.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is that I built this from the ground up with no formal training. It's one of the hardest things I've ever done. I often questioned the path, but I used intuition and common sense to build and grow.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

You do it all.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. See if you can work alongside someone in the industry. Learn from them. Ask a lot of questions.
  2. Connect with others. Entrepreneurship is extremely lonely. The highs are high, and the lows are low. Having a network and colleagues to connect with helps with morale and motivation.
  3. Invest in yourself in the form of courses, mentors, and even online. There is so much free content online. You also need to be patient. It's hard to accept that when you know, you are talented and have a lot to offer.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Entrepreneurship is amazing, but it's not for the weak. It takes time. The flexibility it allows is great, and there is no cap on what you can accomplish. It took me a while to appreciate the varying levels of growth and understand how each mistake and pain was and continues to be all part of the process.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.chiccosmetique.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NicoletteBryckiMakeup
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolettebryckimakeup/

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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