Luxe Bridal, Commercial, & Daily Glam

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in beauty and cosmetics but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Megan Bertsch, Owner of Megan Bertsch Beauty, located in Sioux Falls, SD, USA.

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

I am an HD airbrush makeup artist specializing in soft glam for any occasion. I've spent nearly a decade working all over the world to create a unique "treat yourself" experience for my amazing clients right in my hometown of Sioux Falls. From bridal makeup to personal glam sessions, I work with each person in my chair to help them look and feel like the best version of themselves for all the big moments. Who said personal makeup artists were only for celebrities?

Tell us about yourself

I've always been an artist, and makeup was always my love. I used to practice all the time as a teenager and was convinced I wanted to be a big-time movie makeup artist. Of course, it wasn't that simple, though, and I went through a lot of ups and downs in my career.

I left fine arts college at 19 to move to Minneapolis and attend a makeup artist academy. I immediately loved working on fashion and film sets, and it's a crazy feeling actually becoming what you wanted to be when you grew up.

From there, I worked as hard as I could for a very long time, having many different day jobs and working under different makeup artists. I even moved to Paris and returned to school for my business degree. I officially became my own independent, full-time business in 2020, and that's been a whole new adventure. What motivates me most is that it's a privilege to do what I love every day. Every day I go to new places, meet new people and make them look and feel amazing. I have a special job, and I don't take that for granted.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I think I have little "I made it" moments all the time, even though they're not monumental events. Even quitting my day job or getting a compliment from someone I admire has meant the world. However, this year I've found my biggest accomplishment has been the ability to give. I started my nonprofit, Inclusive Beauty, just a few months ago, and it's been such an honor to provide equitable makeup resources to my community. It makes me feel like I'm at a point where I'm using my skills to create something bigger than myself.

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

The hardest thing about being a business owner for me is the uncertainty. So many entrepreneurs I know say, "no one knows what they're doing," and I agree. What works today might not work tomorrow, and anything that goes wrong is your fault. That's a lot of pressure, but it also makes your accomplishments and the moments of overcoming self-doubt so much more rewarding.

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

Get very good at what you do best and own it. I think you can only be your best salesperson if you love what you're selling and it's authentic to you.
Find a mentor or advisor and never stop learning. I've learned the hard way that there's only so much you can teach yourself. Even if you have to hire them, outside eyes and advice on improving your business is valuable.
Show up, talk to everyone, and be nice. Having relationships in your community is so important. Let people know what you can do for them, and it will always come back to you.

I think business is a journey and looks different for everyone. I totally celebrate anybody reading this who is starting a business and following their dreams. I hope my story can inspire other creatives to believe in their craft and go for it!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://meganbertschbeauty.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meganbertschbeauty
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meganbertschbeauty/

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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