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

Carla, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you recount a story of an unexpected problem you’ve faced along the way?

When I started my career I was young and eager to become a makeup artist that was loved by all. I truly believed could make every single person I came in contact with happy with my work. This mentality sadly came with some disappointments and frustrations due to difficult clients, last minute cancellations or simply clients that didn’t like my style of doing makeup. I started to doubt my skills and my potential to grow my business of being a bridal makeup artist. It gave me the opportunity to self reflect and think about the two choices I had in front of me: Either I pick a new career and start over or I keep persevering and take those lessons as opportunities to improve to be the best. I learned to be able to ask more thorough questions to my clients, get a feel of what their style is to therefore give them exactly the look they dreamed of. I also had to adjust certain policies along to the way and learn that as a business owner you are allowed to pick your clients the same way they picked you. I learned to not see my mistakes as failures but more opportunities to learn and grow. There is no such thing as perfection and learning is continual. One of my favorite comedians is Jim Carey and he said a quote once that resonated with me. He said “Your need for acceptance can make you invisible in this world. Don’t let anything stand in the way of the light that shines through this form. Risk being seen in all of your glory.” Now I am not afraid to take those risks, to step out of the box and put myself out there without the fear of rejection or the pressure of people pleasing. There are other talented artists for anyone and everyone. As long as I keep doing my best and giving it my all while doing what I love then I have found true success.

Carla, 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?

Makeup is an art and a form of self expression. The way I express my art is my passion to make anything, anyone and all things reflect the beauty I already see. I went into the makeup artist industry with that goal. I strive to have every person that sits in my chair feel the best possible version of themselves once I have finished my work. I am constantly learning on the latest trends and techniques to provide the best service possible. My preferred technique is the “snatural” look which means “snatched but natural.” The perfect pair for any client! Not erasing the natural beauty but the goal is to always enhance it. While some artists specialize in one or the other, I say why can’t we have both? I feel proud that I have become known to provide my snatural services to hundreds of satisfied clients.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

A brand for a company is like a reputation for a person. You earn a reputation by trying to do hard things well. There is no such thing as overnight success as a professional or owning a business. It takes years of happy clients and word of mouth which essential for businesses to grow. It holds more power than what most think social media can provide. Consistency, diligence, responsibility and most importantly kindness have been the foundation of my business. It has therefore helped me build a good name for myself and a reputation to where my clients know they can always rely on me to get the job done well, on time, and that I will always attend to them with a smile.

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

I started my social media account as a portfolio to show others my work. It then began to become a fun way to answer makeup or skincare related questions, post video shorts, as well as before and after pictures of my clients. As my account started to grow I strived to show personal interest to each of my followers. I take time to answer each comment, direct message and post. Engagement is important. The online social media beauty community keeps evolving every year. Reels are the most popular way to get others intrigued and interested in your work. The key to a growing social media account is to stay up to date with what interests your audience. It’s important to not be afraid of stepping out of the box, being creative and adapting to the new ways. Sometimes what can make you at first feel uncomfortable will be your biggest opportunity to have growth.

Contact Info:

• Website: Makeupartistrybycarla.com
• Instagram: makeupartistrybycarla
• Facebook: Makeup Artistry by Carla
• Linkedin: Carla McWhorter

Image Credits
Rafael Nazario IG: rafaelnazarioiv