Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in beauty and cosmetics but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Vera Marit, Founder of Flawless by Vera, located in Saint Paul, MN, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I’m a professional makeup artist and photographer; bridal glam is my priority, so on weekends, I’m always traveling to glam up the bride along with a bridal team; on weekdays, I’m doing makeup + headshot/portrait photo shoots, very convenient to get your makeup and business shot at the same location, also weekdays are for video productions and individual makeup lessons.
Tell us about yourself
Originally I was a professional singer & DJ (I also have a degree in International Relations and a military degree), so I always needed makeup for stage, and it never worked the way I wanted. The last drop was at my own wedding when I hadn’t a chance for trial, and my makeup turned out like a joke; I even thought for a moment that this was a prank, but I had 20 minutes before the ceremony started, so I washed it off and did it quickly myself. That day I made a decision to become a makeup artist that would take seriously this specialty and properly learn and practice. Said and done - I completed beauty school and collected 47 certificates for (being fluent in 4 languages helped me a lot to be able to learn from the best international Makeup Artists)
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I moved to the USA shortly before COVID started, and pandemics couldn’t stop me from starting my business from scratch, even though makeup was forbidden, but online lessons no. So I upgraded my phone, purchased budget-friendly lighting, and started to work on marketing my personal brand and helping people online by doing individual makeup lessons. Everything worked well pretty quickly; even in COVID, I still have gotten celebrity gigs; I’ve worked on video productions at Pasley Park with Cory Wong along with musicians that played with Prince, then with Sophia Compana for her music production and so on. I’m working for TV series and I never even dreamt about that girl from Transnistria (my country isn’t even exciting on the map, I like to say that it feels like I’m from Narnia. However, even Narnia is way famous) and being able to see from inside American movie industry and even be a humble little part of this is incredibly exciting for me.
I am working full time and fully booked. Also, since I’ve started to do makeup, I never stopped; by this, I mean I’m doing makeup every single day, no joke. Either it’s a collaboration with a model or gigs. In 5 years, if I counted all days when I didn’t touch brushes … might be up to 5 days. I’m serious, and this fact is a big accomplishment as well.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Winter in Minnesota - this is the only challenge for me because business slows down, I still have gigs, but as a traveling makeup artist, I’m so stressed out driving in the winter storm, as sometimes I simply must. Other than that, the challenge is my second name. I avoid the “comfort zone,” and the harder - the better because that’s how I grow, and keeping this concept in mind helps me to stay in shape and enjoy the process.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Never give up. Sounds banal, but how many people actually truly NEVER GAVE UP despite multiple failures and bad experiences??!! How many people still love what they are doing even in the worst times?!
Once you feel like “that’s it!” you can’t do it anymore - that’s the greatest sign that you’re actually doing great; take a deep breath, rest a bit and push it even harder. That’s how it works if you want to reach your bravest goals! - Practice makes perfect. Even if you’re the best of the best, never stop practicing. Keep creating like you are still an amateur.
- Forget about your comfort zone. If you want to succeed- challenge yourself and learn how to enjoy this feeling when you’re overcoming everything on your way and always Appreciate all your small and big accomplishments. Believe in yourself and know your worth!
Where can people find you and your business?
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/vera.miers.7
https://www.facebook.com/veramaritmakeup/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flawless_byvera/
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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