Ever wondered what it’s like to run your own business or to create content for the beauty industry? We caught up with our LOOKFANTASTIC Beauty Pros to give you an insight into their world.
@al_makeup_academy – Makeup Artist
How did you get into the beauty industry?
I was working in a job just to make ends meet for a long time, I then had my daughter and I wanted to give her a life that she deserved the most and show her growing up what working for your dreams are made of so I decided to make the jump and it was the best thing I ever did.
What does a typical day look like for you?
At the moment, I start my day early so I feel ahead of the game, I like to write down my manifestations whilst enjoying A coffee and then my day begins with admin, catching up with messages, booking clients & bridal in, sorting course manuals and creating content ready for the week ahead.
What’s it like working for yourself/ managing your own business?
I love it, there are hard times but I think it makes you work harder because you know that it is only yourself making it happen which gives you the drive to carry on.
Who’s your biggest inspiration?
My biggest inspiration would be my mum, as she has always taught me to “reach for the stars but don’t forget to keep your feet on the ground” she really has shown me that working hard gives you many great rewards in life.
Do you have any advice for those wanting to get into the beauty industry?
Be consistent, support the pages you love on social media, practice every single day, even if it’s on yourself, make sure you have a business plan so you know where your heading, and NEVER give up.
@hd__nails__ – Nail artist
How did you get into the beauty industry?
I started college straight from school from the age of 16 doing beauty therapy and studied for 3 years covering everything from manicures and pedicures to facials, waxing, massage, eyebrows and weekend lashes (how far we have come from those!).
What does a typical day look like for you?
A typical day is waking up and getting a first is coffee, then I get ready for the day. My days are still not 100% set out as I’m still building clientele but I tend to have 4/5 clients in the day then make a nice evening meal or if it’s a Friday order a takeaway! I’ll then relax and do my skincare before getting into bed to watch Netflix!
What’s it like working for yourself/ managing your own business?
I love working for myself setting my own hours, days and just being my own boss. It has been tough during lockdown but us self-employedgirls will get through it 100%, it’s like a whole community on Instagram full of empowering women so you don’t feel alone!
Who’s your biggest inspiration?
I don’t have one person who inspires me but there’s a bunch of girls on Instagram who make me want to create content or amazing nails they definitely inspire me and they are @byhollymua @mannacured @beautyspace_charlotte @paintbyjaz.
Do you have any advice for those wanting to get into the beauty industry?
I’d say just go for it and don’t let anything hold you back! I was very very quiet and even took my mum along when I first started college because I was so shy but my confidence has built up so much over the years it’s amazing!
@thefaceboss- Makeup Artist
How did you get into the beauty industry?
1) I have always been artistic and would spend hours doing arts and crafts as a child. I followed my love of art through school and college. Makeup was a way of choosing a career that kept me involved in art. This is why you’ll still see me sneaking in posts that are more creative to feed my artistic needs.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I would love to have typical day at the moment, things have changed so much. A typical day would have been a busy day in my studio with the rest of the team or at a wedding in the morning glamming up my brides. The noise of chatter and excitement and lots and lots of laughter. Being shattered at the end of the day. I just love the buzz of it all!
What’s it like working for yourself/ managing your own business?
Working for yourself is hard work but very rewarding. It can be challenging at times but the good definitely out ways the bad. It’s also not for the faint hearted, I’ve put in some serious graft and long hours to get where I want to be.
Who’s your biggest inspiration?
I don’t have just one person that inspirers me. There’s so many, from business minded people that are do driven and have achieved so much, to makeup artists that specialise in wearable make up to the creative artists that love painting. I get inspiration from them all in different ways.
Do you have any advice for those wanting to get into the beauty industry?
My advice would be to make sure you are going into it for the right reasons and not because you think it’s an easy option. It’s hard work and you can tell the difference in the finished look from those who love what they do. You also have to have a connection with your customers. If these tick the box then it can be a career that is truly rewarding. But set yourself goals!
@cole_thebeautycrowd – Brow and lash Artist
How did you get into the beauty industry?
I grew up knowing that the makeup and beauty industry was the path I always wanted to take, I dreamed of being a beauty therapist with hopes that one day, I would own a salon of my own. So, after leaving school and gaining the GCSE’s I needed, I went straight into college studying Beauty Therapy Sciences in order to gain the practical experience and qualifications I needed then to become a beauty professional and start my journey into the beauty world.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I never really have a typical day in the salon. I think that’s what keeps me on my toes and excited about what I do every day even now after 10 years. But we have one thing that happens every day which is called ‘the tint train’ – this is a funny saying between me and clients, (before covid times) where I would have a row of clients with their tint developing on their brows patiently waiting to be next.. It’s a constant conveyor belt and I absolutely love it.
What’s it like working for yourself/ managing your own business?
Working for yourself in an industry that is continually evolving can definitely have its challenges at times but I’m so lucky to be supported by my sister and business partner which allows me to focus on being creative within my work and a perfectionist with my clients.
Who’s your biggest inspiration?
One of my inspirations throughout my college years was Nilam Holmes, not only a successful business and academy owner but Nilam pathed the way in brow design beginning with HD Brows which completely revolutionized brow transformations for the everyday client which is still current today.
Do you have any advice for those wanting to get into the beauty industry?
My advice for anyone new to the beauty industry would be to remain authentic in your work, focus your energy on what excites you the most because anything you’re genuinely passionate about will always, always be successful.
Disover more about our Beauty Pro network at LOOKFANTASTIC.
