We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cylenthia King. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cylenthia below.
Cylenthia, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How do you feel about asking friends and family to support your business? What’s appropriate, what’s not? Where do you draw the line?
First off, starting a business requires a lot of work, time and money. When I decided to turn my passion of makeup artistry into a business, I didn’t know what to expect. I didn’t have a blueprint to follow – only my love for beauty, my makeup kit and support from friends and family. I am blessed to have such an amazing support system behind me. When I told my friends and family about my plans to go into business, I received endless support from the start. Everything that C. Ariel Artistry embodies is all because of the support from friends and family. They always came through to support me in any and every way possible during the startup of my business. I feel that asking friends and family to support your business is always appropriate because there’s value in asking for help. – It benefits you, your business and your customers.
Cylenthia, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am the owner and beauty makeup artist of C. Ariel Artistry, LLC. I am a self-taught, freelance makeup artist currently based in Richmond, Virginia. I am a wife, mother and lover of all things makeup, beauty and style. I’ve been active as a professional makeup artist for about 7 years now. Believe it or not, but my journey into makeup artistry wasn’t planned. It started as a hobby and blossomed into the business you see today. I offer a variety of makeup services to women from all backgrounds and use proven techniques and top-of-the-line makeup products. I like to say that my specialty is soft-glam based on modern trends. I make it a strong priority to capture the natural beauty by enhancing and bringing forth my client’s best features. My love for helping women feel great about themselves and the reactions of each of my clients brings me joy.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
I honestly have to thank my clients because word-of-mouth and referrals are the primary source for new clients. Eighty percent (80%) of my new clients come to me based on reviews, testimonials, referrals or word-of-mouth. The other 20% come to me based on social media tags.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
A lesson I had to unlearn is “saying yes.” I thought I had to say yes to every makeup opportunity or makeup request that came my way. Over time, I had to unlearn this belief. I now understand that timing and alignment matters. Any opportunities meant for me will fit into my schedule without throwing me into a place where I have to sacrifice so much of myself. Taking on multiple clients in a day or week can lead to burnout and it makes me not perform at my best for existing commitments. I have found that it’s okay to say no in order to prioritize your well-being.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.carielartistry.com
- Instagram: C.arielartistry
Image Credits
S. Helena Photography and Josh Boone Photography