Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in beauty and cosmetics but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Alexis Chapman, CEO of A1Artistry, located in Las Vegas, NV, USA.

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

I’m in the business of beauty & inspiration. I am a Professional Makeup Artist of 10+ years & a PMU Artist for 2 years now. I have my own Minks Eyelashes Line. I’m a Brand Ambassador and have created content for many brands, mainly on my YouTube channel. I also make inspirational & vlog content on my YouTube. My clients in the beauty industry are mainly professionals & public figures/celebrities.

Tell us about yourself

In 2010, I graduated with a Bachelor’s in MIS (Management Information Systems) from an HBCU in Chicago, IL. Just 4 months before that, my mom passed. So after I graduated, I took about 2 years off from work, but I would sporadically apply for jobs that were entry-level, yet I would never land the job. Maybe in late 2011, I began to feel God speak to me about doing makeup. I always had an interest from a personal beauty standpoint, more so, but people would always compliment my makeup even though I wasn’t even wearing lashes or doing my brows. I wasn’t even wearing mascara, just skin! Anyway, it made zero sense that I had this Bachelor’s only to enter the beauty industry full-time, but after several confirmations, I decided to take a leap of faith in 2012.

I’m motivated each day, knowing that I’m making my parents proud (my dad passed in 1996). Most importantly, I answered God’s call for my life. I’ve even been told many times that what I do is more than “just makeup” they tell me how my talks make them feel better, and then it’s topped off with how beautiful they look after our sessions. I also have male clients that I do male grooming on, and they always say how comfortable I make them feel, so I love that interaction with my clients. Same as when I do my inspirational videos on YouTube, I may get few comments, but if I helped at least 1, then I’m happy.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment would have to be my small victories. I wanted my work on Billboards, National Television & in Publications. I wanted to be flown out and all expenses paid for my gift…it all happened and is happening!

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

One of the hardest things that I’ve encountered as a business owner is respect. Either people will attempt to disrespect your time or your policy. Between tardiness & wheeling & dealing, it could be exhausting. Thankfully, I don’t experience it as much as when I began my business.

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

  1. Decide upfront to be consistent and endure.
  2. Be persistent, professional, and ethical in all of your dealings
  3. Stay educated in your field. Continuously invest in yourself/your business. Brainstorm and execute.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://a1artistry.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/a1artistrybeauty/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a1artistry/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/a1_artistry
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexis-chapman-09891b139/

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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