Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in beauty and cosmetics but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Zii Davis, Founder of Matter Brushes, Inc., located in Memphis, TN, USA.

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

Matter Brushes keep the makeup beginner in mind with intuitive products that guide women to a flawless look. Our 13-piece brush set follows a tried and true, expert-approved makeup routine with brushes that are numbered in chronological order and straightforward instructions printed right on the handle!

Tell us about yourself

Growing up, I wasn't a makeup girl. However, when I started doing pageants and modeling, it was the bad experiences that really pushed me to learn how to do my own. I wanted to feel confident walking on stage and taking pictures. After I mastered my own, others would ask if I could help with theirs. One day, it finally hit me that I could get paid for doing makeup, and there, my "hustle" began.

From there, I gained more clientele and realized that it was time to take what was becoming a business seriously. I went full-time as a makeup freelancer in 3 years, and by year 10, I retired with a repertoire of everyday black women and celebrities (like Jazmine Sullivan, Erica Campbell, and SWV - to name a few) under my belt.

During my tenure as an artist (pre-Covid), I taught makeup classes multiple times throughout the year, and the biggest struggle for me was having my students get the correct brushes. This affected their results and made teaching a pain. I decided to create a unique brush line - Matter Brushes - so that all of my students could be on one accord. While the brush line didn't release until post-Covid, everything worked perfectly for my virtual students who learn inside my makeup membership - Beauty for Us University - the number one makeup learning space for Black women.

As far as motivation, I will be honest... There is no plan B. Entrepreneurship is for me. While I do have two bachelor's degrees and four years of corporate experience, there's not a bone in my body that considers going back to the workforce as an option. So this is just what I do. People don't need motivation to go to work because they know they have bills due. Living is an automatic process for most, and I am honestly just living my life as is.

Now while the mere fact of living motivates me, I must say that I am inspired by the women that I serve to keep creating products, tools, and classes that will help them achieve their makeup goals. For me, it's not about makeup. It's about the confidence they gain from the skill and joining a community that looks like them.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My greatest accomplishment as a business owner is the testimonials I receive saying how my live videos, my classes, and my words of encouragement have helped change their lives forever. And, I honestly don't look at what I do as being "world-shifting," but for them, it is. That's validating, and it pushes me to continue. The transformation in their before and after photos keep confirming that I have a purpose and that God really gifted me to teach. It's truly rewarding. At the end of the day, I want to feel fulfilled. And I do.

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

Listen when I tell you the business part is the most challenging thing. I am a creative at heart, and while I am studious and I take care of my business, the act of "handling" business (i.e., taxes, hiring, firing, training, logistics, balancing social media, etc.) is so draining because it sucks the energy that I want to use to create out of me. While I have enjoyed the benefits of delegating, it is still a huge responsibility to ensure that your employees have completed tasks correctly. My world would be amazing if I could duplicate myself. :)

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

  1. Do what fulfills you. It is helpful to evaluate your skills, gifts, and passions to see how they can work together.
  2. Build community. It is MOST important! You need to find your tribe that wants what you have to offer. That may not look like your family or friends. (And don't write them off just because they're not your target audience.)
  3. Separate your personal and business finances. Don't quit your job until your business can support your current expenses and lifestyle.
  4. Get a coach or hire someone. Either way, don't be such a skeptic that you don't invest in yourself. The more you learn (or delegate), the more you earn.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.matterbrushes.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/makeupbyZii/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeupbyzii/

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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