Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in beauty and cosmetics but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Julie Hirji, owner of Makeup by Julie Hirji, located in Los Angeles, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Hi! I'm Julie — the face of Makeup by Julie Hirji. I'm a hair + makeup artist based in Los Angeles, servicing all of Southern California + destination locations. Over the last decade, I have worked with a number of different clients in the bridal, fashion, beauty, and entertainment industry. Bridal is where my true passion lies. My goal is to bring out the most beautiful version of each of my clients while allowing them to stay true to who they are, both inside and out.
Tell us about yourself
Born and raised in the heart of LA, it was always my dream as a kid to become a makeup artist. At five years old, I would sit with my mom and grandmother in my living room and force them to let me do their makeup. Growing up, I always told myself that I would become a makeup artist. How I was going to get there – I had no idea! After high school, I struck a deal with my dad. If I took a few business courses at a community college, he would help me pay for half of makeup school.
A few business courses turned into a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Management at Mount St. Mary’s University. Immediately after that, I enrolled in an Esthetics program to get my CA state license as an Esthetician. After passing the state exam, I decided to work at Sephora for a while. I helped open a new store location, and then I decided to start my own empire.
Since 2013, I’ve gained experience in so many different makeup fields (and hair for the last five years), for example, fashion photography, headshots, red carpet, and the list goes on! But my true love when it comes to this art is bridal. Working with my brides puts me in a happy place, and I enjoy it so much. It makes long days of work fly by. I can truly say that my work is my hobby, and for that, I’m grateful!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is making my childhood dream job a realistic career and thriving in it. Not many people get to say they did that - and I do! I couldn't be more grateful.
My second biggest and proudest accomplishment is building my team/artist network. It's taken me years to build, but I have such a solid and genuine group of artists + stylists who interact on a daily basis through our network, work with me consistently, and still thrive as business owners themselves. I LOVE seeing these women-owned businesses soar to new heights and support each other while doing so. It's the best feeling to see women supporting women and see everyone grow in their own ways. I'm lucky.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Knowing that no one will love and cherish your baby (business) the way you do. I'm a one-woman show when it comes to operating my business. I do everything from administration work, marketing, website maintenance, accounting, social media, scheduling, coordinating, day of on-site services, and more! Sometimes it feels like there isn't enough time in a day, but somehow if you just keep pushing, you get through it all, and you make it work. It's all worth it in the end.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don't give up! You've got this. You'll always see some failures before you see success - just see them as stepping-stones, and you'll get there.
- Build a network - whether it's like-minded individuals in the field you're going into, a support group of people who are cheering you on, etc. Surround yourself with positive people who believe in you.
- Educate yourself - take classes, continue education, and always do what you can to advance yourself. It will always help you grow. That's not me saying, "you need to go to college to have your own business." Even though I did, it doesn't matter. I still do some form of education (seminars, online classes, research, etc.) at least 2x per year, if not more. It helps me grow as an individual and professional and level up my skillsets. It also helps me stay current with the times. Education is power and comes in many different shapes and forms.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.makeupbyjuliehirji.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeupbyjuliehirji/
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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