Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in cosmetics but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Terry Jacobs, Founder of Le Tropique, Inc., located in Coconut Grove, FL, USA.

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

I am known as The Tropical Make-Up Expert, a renowned makeup artist, and founded my company "Le Tropique, Inc.™" on July 1, 1980. I intended to provide those who live in tropical climates a line of cosmetics and skincare products that work well in the heat and humidity, along with her unique "humidity-proof" system. I am a professional who takes pride in my work, I became famous for giving clients a clean, fresh look that will continue to appear recently applied even after hours in the heat and humidity. I like to say to my clients, "The more you sweat, the better you look!" when using my unique "Humidity-Proof" System.

Tell us about yourself

I learned the art of makeup and the business of beauty at a very early age when I started working with Revlon Cosmetics Inc. After seven cold and snowy winters working in the Northeast, I took a sabbatical in Kona, Hawaii. In 1979, I relocated to South Florida and, a year later, started Le Tropique, Inc. It wasn't long before I became recognized in my field and was credited with various titles and accolades. I worked with celebrities and politicians and is the official makeup artist for the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders and the Orange Bowl. Miami Magazine called me an "Eyebrow Queen." At the same time, Miami Metro named me the "Best Makeup Artist in South Florida," and Allure has rated me as giving the "Best Makeup Lessons in the USA" and having the "Best Makeup Products in the USA."

Since 1991, I have been a member of Local 798, Hair & Make-Up Artists Union, NYC, allowing me to work on major motion pictures and TV shows. CNN & NBC call me regularly for live remotes and routinely travel for other TV and video productions in locations worldwide. Terry also lived in Milano for three years, where I continued to perfect my craft.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

For 42 years, through thick and thin, I have maintained my 2 Trademarks, COSMETICS FOR THE TROPICS & TROPICAL WATERS COOLING MIST; for 42 years, makeup artistry has been a way of life for me. Even though my bout with breast cancer life continues, the world keeps spinning. You must keep up, or you will be left behind, and with hard work, determination, patience, and tenacity, I'm still here! What I like to say to my clients,

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

When you are a Woman-Owned in a small business - it's not a job, it's a lifestyle, and you have to love what you do. There are no set hours; it's all hours.

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

  1. Have a solid Business Plan, follow it, and be financially ready for anything.
  2. When life throws you Zig, learn how to Zag. As Charles Revson always taught us, "Be able to spin on a dime!."
  3. Life is not black and white; learn how to live in the "gray" area.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.terryjacobs.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cosmeticsforthetropicsstudio/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terryscosmetics/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/terrycosmetics
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terry-jacobs-73650414/

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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