Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in beauty and cosmetics but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tara Pinto, Owner of Underground Artistry, located in Philadelphia, PA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Underground Artistry is a woman-owned business. Created eight years ago with the idea of making women/men/whoever feel like they can take on the world with the power of makeup. We are an on-site makeup artistry company specializing in bridal and event makeup and travel mostly within the Tri-state area but are available Nationwide and internationally. Our clients usually wear a tinted moisturizer and a chapstick from day to day, but they love to get a good natural glam. They are confident, beautiful from within, and kind. We got so lucky with our clientele.
Tell us about yourself
Since I was a kid, makeup has been my first love. I often got in trouble (from other parents) for putting makeup on my friends and sending them home with smokey eyes. We're talking elementary school. My parents always allowed me to express myself with makeup which I am so thankful for. Plus, growing up with my mom, grandma, aunts, sisters, and cousins who all LOVED makeup helped, too, because I was always around it. Fast forward throughout the years, I did make up for all my friends for proms or any special occasions. I went to La Salle University for business while working at Sephora. Sephora was a great stepping stone for me because I learned to work on all skin tones, types, and ages. I received a ton of experience here and still suggest it to any new artists who are trying to learn and break into the industry.
Eventually, it was the end of the road with Sephora; as I got busier with makeup, I made it a full-time job! And here we are now!
Motivation comes from all over! Whether it be a new TV show such as Euphoria that allows you to color outside of the lines, certain street art that I might walk past, painting, staying off of social media and traveling, or even getting on social media and having other artists inspire it. The list goes on!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
This is a hard one! It's a tie between our clientele and also our team! We have some AMAZING artists who I couldn't have built Underground Artistry without them. They are talented and have such beautiful souls. They are truly magicians.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Learning all the other parts that come along with running a business. From marketing, taxes, accounting, dealing with contractors, scheduling, etc. I started a makeup business because I LOVE makeup, but with that comes a few obstacles you have to climb.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Start with an idea and bring a notebook everywhere with you. When something pops up in your mind and jot it down for later, then bring it all together and develop a good Business Plan. I have at least ten notebooks from when I first started.
- Ask for help! Taxes? Ask an accountant. Marketing? Ask someone who's in the industry. Ran into an issue with a client? Ask another vendor in the area how they handled it! Need some guidance? Find a mentor.
- Find something that you love to do! If you love what you do, then waking up and running your own business will be exciting (most of the time, at least).
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Never get too comfortable!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://undergroundartistry.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Undergroundartistry/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/underground_artistry/
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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