Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Bell Duong. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Bell, appreciate you joining us today. Being a business owner can be really hard sometimes. It’s rewarding, but most business owners we’ve spoken sometimes think about what it would have been like to have had a regular job instead. Have you ever wondered that yourself? Maybe you can talk to us about a time when you felt this way?

Being a business owner has to be one of the hardest yet rewarding jobs. Often times I get asked how is it like being a business owner? Lets just say it’s not all glitz and glamour like how some people portray it to be.

When I was younger I’ve always wanted to own my little salon. I always had a vision of having something to call my own and becoming my own boss. Once I started working in the beauty industry I knew this is where I knew I belonged. But once I started to work in salons I realized how different the environment was and how things were not how they seemed. Not saying all the places I’ve worked at were horrible but that one bad experience kind of changes your perspective on working in a salon. From then I knew I just needed to work for myself and create a space for other individuals who’ve also had those certain salon experience.

Starting a business literally from the ground up comes with a whole lot of challenges. Having to build a clientele and portfolio with no clients was the most difficult thing I’ve had to do. I would work on people for free until I was able to get my name out there and have people come to me for services. There’s been times where I’ve second guessed myself and wondered if I’ve made the right career choice because I felt like I couldn’t financially help my significant other. Often times I would think if I had to get a “real” job what would I do? Being a business owner where the need of service isn’t a necessity but a want, is difficult because the pay isn’t consistent as to someone working a 9-5. Being a business owner you can’t just go home and forget about all your obligations you have at work like those who work a 9-5, as a business owner you are constantly working. Days off, what is that? Your day off would still be doing something for your business. Relaxing? What’s that? That time may be spent answering emails or replenishing things. It is never ending as a business owner.

But starting my own business has been the best decision I’ve made for myself and family. I am able to spend more time with them and be more present in my family’s life. Even though it may be stressful at times, I’m also less stressed because I know I’m able to be with my family when I want.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name Bell and I am the owner of Beautied by Bell. I specialize in bridal makeup and lash extensions. I’ve been in the beauty industry for over 10 years, from starting out doing nails to now makeup and lashes.

For as long as I could remember I was always into anything beauty. I knew it was a passion of mine and it was something that I was going to pursue as a career. I would always say “one day I’m going to work in New York fashion week”. I haven’t accomplished that yet but who knows it may happen on day!

I absolutely love being a bridal makeup artist. Makeup is what got me into going to cosmetology school, I graduated from Douglas J Aveda in 2013. In cosmetology school I knew hair was not my thing but if it was makeup I was all for it. I learned most of my techniques for makeup from YouTube. I was in the era where YouTube first came out and everyone was making tutorials. When I graduated from cosmetology school I didn’t jump right into makeup, I started off doing nails. When doing nails I was very meticulous and extremely picky on my clients nails. I knew I wanted to do something more where my clients would actually feel good about themselves when they left, so I decided I would take a lash course. I took my first course in 2017 and immediately fell in love. Being someone who is extremely meticulous and picky I made sure every lash set I was doing had to be perfect, this also goes with makeup. It wasn’t until I met a very good friend who is an extremely talented makeup artist in 2018 who pushed me to start doing makeup again. From then I’ve been doing bridal makeup and lashes since.

Outside of work I am hanging out with my little family. I am married with 2 children who are literal mini me’s. They are two girls and love all things makeup and skin care. I’m also a crafty person so I love to do anything DIY, crocheting, and knitting.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Social media has to be one of the hardest things to navigate when you are a business owner. On top of trying to run your business you need to be present on social media and gain a following to get potential clients. But being on social media is a great way for people to see your portfolio and see who you are as an individual. When people connect with you on social media they feel like they know you and those potential clients are more comfortable with coming to you for service. If you’re not comfortable being in front of the camera, which I am. I found that doing things where you don’t have to talk but you’re showing people how to do something, it gets more engagement and people like to see things like that.

If you’re trying to build a social media presence, I recommend just post your work or post what your favorite products are. Your audience will come to you. Don’t beat yourself up if you get only 20 views or 5 likes on somethings that’s 20 people who’ve seen your work and are probably talking about you and getting your name out there.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

My best source for new clients have been networking with other vendors. New clients are more likely to trust who their vendors recommend. Word of mouth plays a big role into getting new clients.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.beautiedbybell.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beautiedbybell/