We recently connected with Alexa Navis and have shared our conversation below.

Alexa, appreciate you joining us today. So, folks often look at a successful business and think it became a success overnight – but that often obscures all the nitty, gritty details of everything that went into the growth phase of your business. We’d love to hear about your scaling story and how you scaled up?

I’ve been a makeup artist in business for four years. It’s gone very quickly but has also felt like a long and winding road. When I first started my business it felt very intimidating.

I have been able to scale up from ultimately saying yes. Taking opportunities even when I was fearful or lacked confidence. Starting before I was ready. Doing things afraid I’ve learned is key. If we wait until we’re ready I don’t think we’ll ever be ready. Often times this is a lot easier said than done! I would say yes before I was truly ready, allow myself to freak out a little, then immediately prepare myself between the time of saying “yes” to the actual gig by practicing techniques, reading up on a topic, setting positive intentions and repeating affirmations, “I can do this”. I would visualize the experience going well. I still practice this today. Doing TFP experiences, working for free and taking credit jobs was key for me. Even though people would push me to charge right away, for me it was most critical to build a body of work so I had photographs to show others I can actually do good work. Photos are everything when you are a makeup artist and that’s what I focused on. I asked friends and family to do their makeup. I met connections on jobs and that would lead to more opportunities that would eventually be paid. I started doing weddings and then I would meet a bridesmaid who was getting married the following year and I would end up doing makeup for her wedding, too. The list goes on. The more friends and family I would practice on, the greater the web of connections would grow that led to more and more booked gigs, which led to more money. It’s pretty amazing setting financial goals for yourself and completely smashing them, then entering a whole other realm of possibility after that. Like, “wow I really did that – what else can I do?!”

Strategies that have helped me grow throughout my business have been posting my work consistently on social media, taking jobs from my school alumni page, chatting/networking with people on sets, joining Facebook groups of other creatives and wedding groups and signing up for vendor fairs/vendor lists etc. Putting yourself out there on multiple different platforms increases your reach.

Something so simple that I believe has helped me grow is truly caring for my clients and never seeing them as a transaction. Slowing down and being present with them goes a long way. Having touch points with my clients also helps to grow and nurture the relationship. Being open to answering questions, giving them prep information, not appearing hurried/giving the appropriate amount of time to do the job and do it well is seriously underrated these days. Creating key connections has also been instrumental for me. Not every client relationship is created equal. Hear me out – some clients book multiple times, refer lots of people, and are like walking advertisements. BLESS THOSE PEOPLE. They are rare gems that deserve to be nourished. Simply listening to clients and paying attention to what people want and implementing that in my business has also been key. E.g. personal makeup lessons. It would always happen where I’d hear, “you should do lessons!” or “I’d love to know how to use the products I have” or “I want to refresh my makeup routine”. I think another key to building my business is putting a bug in people’s ear and being open to opportunities when I saw them. If people say “how is business going?” or say “I need to refresh my look” or “my friend needs a makeup artist for XYZ” that is a perfect opportunity where I offer myself up. I think follow-ups are important to show a client they’re on my mind and that I’m here to help. I think for true success in any area, a person’s heart has to be in it. Your heart knows what it wants at the end of the day. When you have deep roots in what you’re doing and keep pushing and remain open to opportunities and stay engaged and curious about your craft, I think the sky’s the limit!

Alexa, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’ve loved makeup and beauty since I was young. I didn’t realize it would have such a lasting significance and impact until I realized a gaping hole in my soul in my 20’s and I realized I had to do something about it. I decided to go to school for makeup artistry and begin my business venture doing something I truly loved.

I am a Certified Professional Multimedia Makeup Artist and attended Faces Etc of MN in Minneapolis, Minnesota’s only licensed multimedia makeup school. I offer traditional and airbrush makeup for all occasions! Personal clients, events, lessons, weddings, commercial, film, print and more.

Being a part of making people feel good is the absolute best feeling. I love caring for others and this is my favorite way to show people I care – by elevating and amping up their unique and beautiful selves!

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

A massive part of what’s helped me be successful is tapping other successful business owners and learning from them. Finding mentors in books, podcasts, on YouTube etc. I love Brendan Burchard and his book “High Performance Habits” and his podcast, Marie Forleo’s podcast, Rachel Hollis and her books and podcast, Julie Solomon, the list goes on. I’ve learned a lot of great tips from these amazing business owners and they’ve helped motivate me along the way.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

Something I wish I had learned earlier on is accepting that you can’t be great at everything and you should be utilizing others who are experts in certain business areas around you for help.

Outsourcing your website, talking with successful people and getting their input, or simply asking friends and family for input is key.

Even if you are a solo business, you need help from others to grow and give perspective and expertise where you may be lacking. The earlier you realize this, the more successful you will be. Having the finances to do this is challenging at times, but worth the investment.

Running in tandem with this approach is also reading and learning and improving yourself in multiple business areas. You can continually learn and grow as a business owner while tapping others for their expertise, too.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.alexanavismakeup.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexanavisbeauty/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexanavismakeup

Image Credits
Hollie Leggett (Hollie Photos) Cassie & Alexa of A Sister Collaborative