Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in beauty and cosmetics but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dayna Carabel, founder and owner of MUArtistry by Dayna, located in Red Bank, NJ, USA.

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

My name is Dayna Carabel, and I am the founder and owner of MUArtistry by Dayna. Basically, I am a professional Makeup Artist doing what I love most - creating looks that help people look and feel like the best versions of themselves while making some of the best friendships along the way.

Tell us about yourself

I first noticed makeup when I glided my first tube of lipstick on at six years old for my dance recital. I immediately fell in love with the look and feel of makeup. There weren’t makeup schools around when I graduated high school in 2001, so I went right into skincare school and became a licensed aesthetician. I worked in a few spas, and while I love skincare, I really wanted to focus on makeup. I started as a counter manager and then moved on to Skin Care Specialist/Resident Makeup Artist for Chanel at Saks-NYC.

When I started having children, I left the city and became a resident makeup artist at MAC in Shrewsbury. Becoming busier and busier with side jobs, I decided to venture out on my own in 2014 and started MUArtistry by Dayna. It was a dream that had come true. Every year became busier and busier, and instead of turning clients down, I formed a small team of very talented artists, 2 of which I have trained and groomed myself.

What really drives me is the process of creating a full face of makeup. I also love the amazing people I get to meet along the way. Clients become friends very easily in my business. I also absolutely love every single reveal when I give the client the mirror, their reaction means the world to me. I received the most heartfelt thank you‘s from my brides and event clients and love that I can be a calming source for them on what can be very stressful days. Even if I won the lottery today, I would still make sure my book was full with clients tomorrow and the next day. I truly love what I do. It’s a part of me being able to express myself while listening to what the client wants and is asking for. Although I have a certain style, no two makeups are the same, and that’s what I love most.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I feel like my biggest accomplishment to date is running a successful business for all these years, with no business background, and making it through a pandemic. It definitely was not easy and very scary at times. Taking the proper precautions and keeping everything super clean and sanitary has always been important to me, and that’s what’s helped me remain successful over the past few years.

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

One of the hardest things about being a business owner is disconnecting from work to spend time with family. I am on my phone 24/7, answering emails, responding to new client inquiries, keeping up with social media content, and editing and posting client photos. Even as I answered this interview, I walked my dog, made dinner, and put a Band-Aid on my daughter’s paper cut. I'm non-stop. But as with any client-based business, if you don’t respond ASAP, the next business will, and then you’ve lost a potential client.

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

  1. Make sure you set up your business legally. Obtain your tax ID or LLC, figure out the cost to run your business, and make sure you are taking in enough to survive. Obtaining insurance is also very important to protect yourself and your clients.
  2. Be smart with how you advertise. The best advertisement is word-of-mouth, so make sure you maintain professionalism at all times. You never know who your next potential client will be or what they will tell all their friends about you. You will sink or swim based on your reputation. Personally, my business grew solely on Word of mouth and being a part of Wedding Wire. Even WeddingWire customers look at your reviews. Collect reviews whenever you can and make sure they are easily accessible to potential clients.
  3. Be consistent and value yourself. You will have clients or customers who question your pricing and even ask you to cut the cost. The key is to do your homework and figure out where your competitive pricing should be. Take into account the products you use and your experience level. You will most likely have to raise your cost with the growing economy and growing experience, but do not lower your rates, or you can expect to do that for everyone going forward. This is harmful to your reputation and your industry.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Never give up. When I had this crazy idea to become a makeup artist and possibly run my own business, makeup was not a popular thing at the time, and my mother thought I was not taking my future seriously. People will doubt you, but if you know in your heart what you are meant to do and believe in yourself, never stop trying to reach your goal. People will pick up on your passion and will love your energy. They will be more inclined to work with you time and time again. Also, do not expect to be successful overnight. It takes time to grow and years to become a master at your craft.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: http://www.muartistrybydayna.info/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/muartistrybydayna/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muartistry_by_dayna/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muartistrybydayna/

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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