Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in beauty services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Julie Marckisotto, owner of Pittsburgh Makeup, located in Delmont, PA, USA.

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

I'm in the business of making people feel beautiful! My business is Pittsburgh Makeup, and I do makeup [and sometimes hair!] for everything, from weddings, photoshoots, tv, and more. My customers range from all ages — I do lessons for young girls just starting to do makeup, many brides, and even men for commercials and photoshoots. I love my job's range because every job is always different and I'm always meeting new people. I never get bored!

Tell us about yourself

I went to beauty school for my Cosmetology license right out of high school. I always knew I wanted to be in this field. I worked a lot after school for different beauty retailers such as Estee Lauder, Chanel, and Christian Dior. I also worked in a few salons gaining a lot of experience before I ventured out on my own. I initially was focused more on the wedding industry, but the more I started doing shoots and commercial work, I realized I loved also being on set and in the production world. I love my job and feel grateful that I can do what I love every day. My motivation to keep going and growing is my customers. I always want to go above and beyond for them!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I'd say my biggest accomplishment is honestly my reputation. My brand as a business is not just my makeup skills but overall customer service. I find what I do to be more than just makeup. It's getting back to people quickly, building relationships, making everyone feel comfortable in my chair, going above and beyond for them, and just being a reliable business and person they can count on.

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

The hardest thing for me is creating a work-life balance. I've gotten a lot better after being my own boss for over 13 years now. As a self-employed person, it's challenging not to try and take everything that comes your way. I realized you need to make time for self-care and other things. I read a quote: "make time for you, so your clients get the best of you, not the rest of you." So true.

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

  1. Networking is key. Building relationships with other colleagues in your field is so important, I feel, in any business. Community over competition, always.
  2. Always keep learning. I never feel like I know it all. I always have things on my list I need to practice, try and branch out to. Knowledge is power!
  3. Do something to better yourself or your business every day. Either post something on Instagram, practice a skill, send an email to a new prospective client, etc. It's all the little things and consistency that really add up.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I can't stress enough how important it is to build relationships with other people in your field. I never look at someone and feel jealous about something they are doing that I'm not. Their journey is different, and what's meant for me will happen. You can learn something from everyone, so be kind and stay true to yourself! It will always pay off in the end.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: http://www.pittsburghmakeup.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PittsburghMakeup
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pghmakeup/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pghmakeup
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pghmakeup/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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