Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in beauty and cosmetics but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Heidi Austin, Founder of Heidi Artistry, located in Portland, OR, USA.

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

I’m a makeup artist in the Portland/Vancouver area in the Pacific Northwest. I travel to my clients for weddings, commercials, photoshoots, and whatever needs makeup; I’m there! My clients range from male grooming for a film to brides on their wedding day to character work/costume work for Halloween.

Tell us about yourself

I first got started back in 2013 by doing a three-month certificate film course in Australia. I met a film makeup artist there who kind of became my first mentor. On top of writing, directing, and editing my own films and doing film scores, I ended up doing makeup for the majority of our student films and absolutely fell in love with them. I later moved to Chicago in 2016 and went to makeup school. That’s when my career really took off. I got to work on a lot of indie films and fashion shows during that season and had so much fun growing in my craft and networking. South Africa was one of the most rewarding trips of my life. I got to work with creative photographers and models from all over the world and managed to get published in Vogue Italia.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Being able to be in control of my own schedule is huge for me. To be able to call my own shots and not have a boss to look up to. I’ve worked a hundred jobs on the side to pay the bills while getting my makeup business going, so it feels good to be 100% in it now. Meeting clients and making them feel beautiful for one of the most important days of their life is extremely rewarding.

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

For me probably time management. Being my own boss, I have to kind of parent myself; I don’t have anyone telling me to do something by any specific deadline or be somewhere at a certain time. I also find it hard to turn off business mode sometimes. Sometimes I’m up at 11 pm answering emails. Setting boundaries and finding that work/life balance is key.

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

Believe that it’s possible and you can do it. Surround yourself with people who are already doing it. Find meetup groups in your local area or Facebook groups and start asking questions. Get the education/hands-on experience you need. It might take a little while to get the hang of, but eventually, it will become second nature, and things will just flow abundantly. Don’t give up!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://heidiartistry.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heidiartistryllc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidiartistry/

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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