We were lucky to catch up with Cayley Phillips recently and have shared our conversation below.

Cayley, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Getting that first client is always an exciting milestone. Can you talk to us about how you got your first customer who wasn’t a friend, family, or acquaintance?

During Tennessee State University’s Homecoming week in October 2023, I gained my very first client. I had been promoting Cay Couture with flyers at beauty supply stores, gas stations, college campuses, and through social media. At first, I was nervous, but then I thought, Why should I be afraid to try? What’s the worst that could happen if I put in the effort?

I was thrilled when a TSU student booked me, taking advantage of my Homecoming specials for students and alumni. She loved her makeup, and I took tons of content, posting it the next day. That one post brought so much attention to my work! So here’s my advice: never feel embarrassed to put yourself out there. You never know who might be watching.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I entered the makeup industry by taking a 101 class with Jordan Alexander, a makeup artist who used to work in Nashville, Tennessee. After that class, I discovered that makeup felt natural to me, and I found both peace and joy in it. From there, I started practicing on friends and family. Once I felt confident, I launched a website and began posting daily to build my clientele.

Today, I offer both natural and dramatic makeup services for a diverse community, catering to events like birthdays, holidays, and weddings. I’m incredibly proud that, even on tough days, I never gave up—and every day, God has blessed me with clients. To my community, future clients, and followers: I’m here to provide you with an exceptional experience. My goal is to make sure you feel seen and beautiful on your special day, and I won’t let you leave the chair until you’re happy.

Alright – let’s talk about marketing or sales – do you have any fun stories about a risk you’ve taken or something else exciting on the sales and marketing side?

At first, I wasn’t very confident in my video editing skills. A college classmate / friend suggested I promote my business on TikTok, but I was hesitant, worried I wouldn’t get many likes, comments, or shares. She encouraged me to post anyway and to stay consistent. She was right—after regularly sharing my work on different platforms, I started gaining clients from states like California, Georgia, Indiana, Wisconsin, and more. I’m so grateful I listened to her advice and kept posting!

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Social media platforms, word-of-mouth, and client reviews after appointments have all helped me grow my business. A simple recommendation from one client to others can go a long way in building your clientele.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://caycouturecosmetics.glossgenius.com/
• Instagram: @_cayleyp
• Facebook: Cayley Phillips
• Other: TikTok : @cphill21