Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in beauty and cosmetics but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Christy Kaliana, Owner and President of Divine Beauty Artists, located in Miami, FL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a national beauty collective with one of our largest teams in the South Florida area. Above and beyond is our aim in choosing only the most skilled artists to represent us and beautify our clients! Our primary focus is high-end bridal hair and makeup, but we have over twenty years of experience in production, photoshoots, publications, and more.
Tell us about yourself
Some would consider me a veteran in this industry, with twenty-plus years' experience, but my success is the natural byproduct of a lifelong passion for bringing beauty to all things, both inside and out. Early on, as I began gaining momentum, and a respectable reputation, for my own hair and makeup artistry, it only made sense to build a team and help others be at the top of their game as well. I am motivated daily to inspire my artists to level up, hone their craft, and own their badass abilities. I have recently brought my husband, Kemper, on as 50% owner and all-around Admin Extraordinaire. Divine Beauty Artists would not be expanding at such a rapid rate without his contribution!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Besides ONLY five-star reviews and multiple Hall of Fame honors from The Knot, our greatest accomplishment is being the perfect fit to assist our clients in making their beauty dreams a reality, receiving gratitude from our artists for what we've provided them in their career goals, and hearing from both what a pleasure it is, and how easy it is, to work with us!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing that comes with being a business owner is actually a blessing: Growth! If you succeed in doing what you actually set out to do, there comes a time when expansion is the obvious trajectory, which brings with it the necessity to make many important decisions in streamlining and simplifying and perhaps bringing on others to help distribute the load. While immensely rewarding in many ways, prioritizing self-care, setting boundaries, being clear with communication, and operating with high integrity in the midst of these transitions is vital and ripples positive vibes out to everyone involved (team members and clients alike)! Juggling seems impossible at first but becomes fun when the juggler is centered, balanced, and skilled at what they do.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
While, of course, it depends on the industry...
- Authenticity, honesty, and transparency with self, co-owners, employees, team members, and clients.
- Self-drive and -motivation (i.e., nobody's telling you what to do or not to do but you!).
- Keeping what's most important in your life at the forefront of your mind and heart and not letting trivial, temporary issues or pursuits cloud your vision.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://divinebeautyartists.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divinebeautyartists/
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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