Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Morgan Davidson, Owner of Morgan Sarah Makeup, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I'm a beauty expert specializing in makeup and skincare. Morgan Sarah Makeup provides mobile beauty services across the Greater Toronto Area, working with clients on some of the biggest days of their lives (weddings, galas, award shows, movie premieres, family events - you name it).
I have an amazing network of colleagues who support me on large bookings, and I also provide in-person and virtual beauty lessons for anyone looking to learn more about skincare or their own beauty routines. In 2023, I'll be adding skin care services for clients, which I'm super excited about.
Tell us about yourself
I've always loved makeup. My earliest beauty memories include shopping from my Aunt's Avon catalog and buying my first eyeliner, experimenting with my Mom's stash of Estee Lauder products my Dad would buy every Christmas, and the first time I walked into a Sephora and purchased my first-ever red lipstick. I wasn't the most confident teenager, but makeup had a way of giving me a sense of self-expression and confidence that I couldn't always muster up on my own. I've always been creative, and I loved all the possibilities it presented when I really started to play with colours, different products, and techniques.
I came to work professionally as a makeup artist very organically, first working with a local beauty team on their marketing and social media efforts (my education and career experience are in the space of PR and marketing). Eventually, I asked enough questions and did some training to find myself actually assisting and shadowing on makeup jobs. The rest is history from there.
What motivates me in this line of work is the opportunity to be a part of such big and special moments for so many people and play a small part in making them feel their best. Nothing feels better than a client who feels on top of the world after I've been able to do a little something with their hair and makeup.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
To date, I've had a few "pinch me" moments. From working with clients at the Toronto International Film Festival before they walked the red carpet to see my work in print, there have been some high highs.
But, the fact that I've been able to build my own business in this industry and build my own client base is my greatest accomplishment. It's a special feeling to have clients who rebook you for some of their biggest days and put their own recommendations behind your name to others.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Motivation and discipline can be tough - there's no boss standing over you, imposing deadlines, and reviewing your work before it goes out into the world. You have to be that boss for yourself and hold yourself to a standard that makes you proud. Even though some days, the urge to lay down and take a nap can be very strong, you have to have the mindset to know when it's time to work and time to play.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
First, I'd say find a community of other entrepreneurs. Having those "running buddies" to ask questions and bounce ideas off of is invaluable - I have a great network of amazing women in this industry at my fingertips, and it's one of the most amazing resources I have available to me.
I would also say to practice patience. This is something I personally struggle with and have to remind myself of often - everything happens right on time, even if you think it's moving too slow (I even have a tattoo on my wrist I look at several times a day that simply says "all is well"). I often get big ideas and want to see them spring into action immediately, but there is something to be said about taking on those big ideas with a measured and pragmatic approach.
Lastly, I'd share my mantra, "done is better than perfect." I am a chronic perfectionist, and while I still strive for perfection and put out results I'm proud of, sometimes I have to be able to put my perfectionism aside in the interest of getting things done. Could I spend more time editing an e-blast? Could I spend hours drafting the most SEO-optimized blog post? Could I spend a whole day working and reworking how my makeup kit is laid out for optimal ease of use? Could I obsess over making a perfectly lit and scripted Tiktok? Sure - but time is money, and rarely does the difference between perfect and good-enough make a significant impact on my bottom line. Remembering that being done is better than perfect helps me get things out the door and keeps my business growing.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://morgansarahmakeup.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/morgansarahmakeup
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morgansarahmakeup/
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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