We recently connected with Nikki Miller and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Nikki, thanks for joining us 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?

The first official client I booked was actually a referral from an organization called Be You I volunteered with. One of the coordinators referred me to her. I was excited and nervous because she was going to be photographed for the event she was attending. I wanted to make sure she was 100 percent happy when she left. We actually got on really well and she ending up coming to me about 3 more times after that.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My interest in makeup probably started when I was in high school. Which was a long time ago. (I’m 38) I just remember always being so intrigued by the makeup in music videos and movies. I just knew it was what I wanted to do. So I started practicing on myself, family, and friends. Basically, anyone who would let me do their makeup. It was therapeutic for me. I love doing someone’s makeup and just making them feel a little bit better than they did before. It’s the best feeling.

So fast forward to May of 2010, my cousin asked me to do the makeup for her and her bridal party. And it just kind of took off from there. Now makeup was something I did while working a job. I was always too scared to pursue it full-time. So last Aug., I was laid off from my corporate job. I was so scared, I had no idea what I was going to do. But the thought of me applying to another job I hated was depressing. I prayed and prayed and prayed some more. And I was like you know what, I’m just going to go for it and be the makeup artist I’ve always wanted to be. I can honestly say God has been showing out. I’ve had so many great opportunities I never even thought were possible. I’ve worked for Lifetime, PBS, Amazon, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, and P&G. My work was just recently published in South Park Magazine. I’m just so thankful and grateful for everything that’s happened so far.

I’m known for natural makeup (soft glam). I have the ability to enhance one’s features and make them feel like themselves when I’m done. To be honest, that’s what I’m proud of. I want my clients to still see themselves.

What sets me apart from others is my ability to work with every skin tone. This was really important to me. I wanted to make sure I mastered it.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

The biggest lesson I’ve had to unlearn is money management and time management. This is still an ongoing lesson for me to be honest. Having this business has made me realize how much time and money I’ve wasted. Of course everyone glamorizes entrepreneurship, no one tells you about all the backend task that come with it.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for me to grow clientele has been through community. Over the years I’ve built relationships with different makeup artists. Also social media has played a major part as well.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nikkimillermakeupartistry.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikkimillermua/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/NikkiMiller

Image Credits
AvonnePhotoStudios