Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Carlyn Phillips. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Carlyn, thanks for joining us today. What were some of the most unexpected problems you’ve faced in your career and how did you resolve those issues?
I recently relocated to a new city and state. And my current makeup studio business at the time. One major issue was notifying my existing clients of my move and marketing to gain new clients in a new area. Things began to slowly evolve into my new business within that year as I started to gain new clientele.
Then, in 2020, at the start of the pandemic, I had to shut down my studio temporarily. Things slowly began to re-open for business four months later, and I became chronically ill, which meant not being able to run my studio and service clients due to ongoing symptoms that would disrupt my daily routine. At this point, I was devastated because It seemed like one obstacle after another kept happening as I tried to build my livelihood.
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?
I started in the beauty industry by modeling, then morphed into behind the scenes as a makeup artist. I quickly learned how to apply my makeup for freelance gigs, and this turned into learning how to apply makeup for media entertainment. I became fascinated with storytelling, and character development led me to discover more about the acting business, photography, and media production. I started interchanging these skills and elements into my makeup studio business which helped with marketing and growing my business. Next, I fully migrated to an online business model now offering beauty and lifestyle coaching, wellness, and nutrition supplement products. Now, I help women live more beautiful and healthier lifestyles, live their best lives, and look good.
I am most proud of not letting my current health status stop me from pursuing a more beautiful and healthier life of my own or stop me from continuing to help others do the same. There are so many elements in life designed to discourage and prevent us from achieving any form of happiness and fulfillment. I’m proof that if physical ailments cannot stop me, nothing else will. Use my story and experience as an example for you.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect for me is in whatever form I choose to deliver my creative vision, whether through makeup art, coaching, television, or photos, I love getting positive feedback. But most importantly, that it has helped someone in their life in some form.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
I had to pivot in all three: business, career, and life. In 2020, I developed a chronic illness and had to stop performing permanent makeup services at my studio immediately. Due to the unpredictability and severity of the symptoms I suffered from, I had to change my entire lifestyle to focus more on my health. I was determined not to become an invalid. Completely devastated from having to lose business and clients, I fell into a deep depression. However, I did not remain there. Treatment, time, and shifting my mindset to focus more on how I can help others led me into my new business model of coaching in beauty and wellness.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://carlynphillips.com
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/CarlynCosbyPhillips
Image Credits
Professional headshots by Kristia Knowles Photography Additional photos by: Carlyn Phillips