Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in beauty and cosmetics but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jessica Mae Koza, Founder of WarPaint International Beauty Agency, located in Minneapolis, MN, USA.

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

WarPaint International Beauty Agency provides onsite makeup applications and hairstyling services for weddings, events, date nights, photoshoots, runway shows, corporate events, and much more! We strongly believe that our passion, culture, and dedication to getting it right are major factors in your life's events going off without a hitch. I am a Makeup Artist who understands the business of beauty and who has a passion for creating a more professional and luxurious process for booking hair and makeup services. We hand-pick, interview, and technically test each and every Artisan that joins our team. We also conduct full background checks to ensure the safety of our clients while our team enters their homes, offices, and events. We have created a company that supports beauty for all regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, or identity.

Tell us about yourself

From a young age, I loved makeup and knew I wanted to be a Makeup Artist. Throughout high school, I often did makeup for the girls on my cheer squad and my friends for school dances. I love making people feel their best and bringing their inner beauty out. I have a sister with special needs, and I attribute the understanding I have of true beauty to her.

Now that WPI has grown and operates in multiple cities across the country, I am more motivated than ever to continue to grow the company and make it a positive environment for our artisans and clients. One of the biggest impacts that WPI has made on me is recognizing the impact the company has made on others' lives. Whether it's a wedding we got to be a part of or the jobs that WPI has created for our leaders and artisans - I am really proud of what we've built and the impact we have made.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

This is a tough question! There have been so many monumental moments, such as winning awards, expanding the company into new cities, working during New York Fashion Week, etc. I would have to say that my biggest accomplishment as a business owner was being involved with the legislation in MN when we lobbied at the Capitol to change a law to save our industry and jobs as we know it. We worked tirelessly for over a year in order to get a bill to pass in the MN House & Senate to save our jobs from over licensing at the hands of the MN Board of Cosmetology. I was very involved with several colleagues to help make this happen, and it was one of my proudest moments when the bill was passed and signed into law.

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

Finding a work/life balance. I learned the hard way a few years ago that I need to put work away and refuel in order to keep showing up at the highest level possible.

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

  1. Learn quick books! Not that you have to be the person doing all of your hands-on accounting, but you need to know the ins and outs of your business's numbers and what they mean.
  2. Slow and steady wins the race. Be ok with things moving slowly. It gives you time to learn and make changes along the way.
  3. Listen to the people that work for you and take good care of them (within reason). If you take care of the people that you work for, your people will take care of your clients.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.warpaintinternational.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WarpaintArtisans
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/warpaintbeautyagency/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/warpaintmakeup
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3NIItsm

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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