Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kimberly Witte, Owner of Witte Artistry, LLC., located in Madison, WI, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Witte Artistry is a media empire built around special effects makeup, cosplay, and traditional art forms. I aim to educate and entertain with acting videos, tutorials, and product reviews.
Tell us about yourself
I am a special effects makeup artist and traditional artist. I've been doing art since a very young age, but I started my makeup journey in 2012. I saw the show Face Off and was so inspired! I didn't know that SFX makeup could be a job! So, I purchased a body paint palette because it's what I could afford, and I got to work teaching myself.
Once 2015 came around, I decided that I wanted to pursue this as a career, so I started learning the ins and outs of running a business. Then I launched Witte Artistry, LLC in 2016! Since then, it has been a wonderful journey full of twists and turns. Working from home has its challenges to stay on task, but overall, I get so much joy out of painting and acting that it really motivates me to create frequently.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Honestly, the whole thing. Starting something this big from scratch and slowly making more and more connections in the art world is truly exciting. A few accomplishments I am really proud of, though, are as follows:
- Competing on a makeup competition show called Fakeup
- Managing and participating in a project for Sky Dance Media's call for artists competition
- Being a Mortal Kombat 11 figurehead and part of the MK Kollective
- Working on a movie called Without a Name as the head makeup artist, props manager, and prop artist
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
As a self-employed artist, your income tends to be very random. One month you will make 4 months of income, and the next, you will make very little. It's a challenge to manage your money to cover bills during hard times while also investing in your business and future during the good times.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Just start! So many people get caught up in the planning, learning, and talking about it phase. Just start doing it and posting about it on social media. You will learn new skills as you go!
- If you have a business partner, have an extensive partnership agreement made by a lawyer and signed by both of you. This will help with the division of property/finances/ownership of the business if your partnership doesn't work out.
- Value your mental and physical health over everything else. There will always be more work to do. Stop, take a break, go on a walk, get therapy, and take care of yourself.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.witteartistry.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KimWitte.makeupartist/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/witteartistry/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-witte-46baaa197/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@witteartistry
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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