We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful AnjiGayle Saunders. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with AnjiGayle below.

AnjiGayle, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. The first dollar your business earns is always special and we’d love to hear how your brand made its first dollar of revenue.

A recently divorced woman who had not held a job in 25 years was my first customer. She entered the shop to buy makeup for her first interview the next day. She said she needed to buy clothes but was on a tight budget. She felt confident after we really found everything that day while remaining within our budget. But I was aware that the purpose was to project an inner confidence by creating a signature style using clothing and makeup. After the interview, she returned to let us know she had been given the position.

AnjiGayle, 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?

AnjiGayle Saunders is a personal stylist and lead makeup artist at BougieBelle Stylists. A graduate of Mary Baldwin College, holds a BA in Mass Communication, an MBA in Project Management from Strayer University, and an AAS in Medical Office Administration from Wake Tech Community College. After graduating, landed jobs as a stylist at Lord & Taylor, Nordstrom, Macy’s, and Saks Fifth Avenue. AnjiGayle Saunders has an established track record as a highly experienced and versatile business manager, makeup artist, and stylist. She has spent the last 30 years as a brand consultant for prestige and luxury goods in the mid-Atlantic region. Anjanette is also a professional bridal consultant who has received numerous honors. Along with Bougie Belle stylists, Anji Gayle is currently Dior’s regional market lead for Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina. Previously, she worked as a regional makeup artist for Chanel, Estée Lauder, Laura Mercier, and Shiseido, where she was in charge of designing client signature looks as well as season wardrobes.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Consistency, quality, and respect are things that I really believe have contributed to developing my reputation within my industry over the past 30 years. As a stylist, you should be available to your clients to establish a connection and give them the confidence that you will always be there to address any questions they may have without making them feel bothered. You’ll need to provide them with high-quality customer service if you want to keep them as a customer and get their referrals. Leave the egos outside the studio; it’s about the effort and skill needed for everyone to bring out the best in one another. Respect for the customer and the performer must always be upheld

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Referrals from current clients have consistently been my top source of new clients. In the age of social media, generating word of mouth is a  method of becoming viral. The client is willing to attempt new ideas or update their signature appearance because they have already appreciated the quality of your work. In order to establish a closer personal relationship with anyone who follows me on social media, I frequently host virtual consultations through conferencing platforms.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/bougiebellestylists?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BougieBelleStylists?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Image Credits
Photographer: Bay Mitchell for Bay Mitchell Photography Models: Keinetra Garcia, Kiara Jane, JH Capulet, Brentishaa, Abigail Williams, Yanna Buttons HMUA: BougieBelle Stylists by AnjiGayle Saunders Styleboards: BougieBelle Stylists by AnjiGayle Saunders