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

Crystal, appreciate you joining us today. Owning a business isn’t always glamorous and so most business owners we’ve connected with have shared that on tough days they sometimes wonder what it would have been like to have just had a regular job instead of all the responsibility of running a business. Have you ever felt that way?

I am happier as a business owner 100% – I recently have had another job as I am helping out at my families property management company and I believe that even though there are ups and downs with money and seasons, when you’ve been in the business for a long time you get used to that and knowing how to predict/when to save money. And the freedom of making your own schedule and work times surpass the feel of a steady income all day. The last time I had this thought was about 2 weeks ago. I believe that if you can really dream it for yourself, being a business owner is the way to go.

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

Hi, I’m Crystal! I do makeup and hair for mostly everything but specialize in weddings. I got into the industry about 10 years ago and I give the credit of me starting on this path to a dear friend and past roommate of mine, Chelsea. I didn’t know what to pursue after high school and while doing GE classes at community college I started to get very interested in makeup. My friend talked me into doing her makeup, kept telling me encouraging words and finally I listened and decided to look for makeup schools. I found one, immediately signed up and haven’t looked back. When I first started in the beauty industry I began working in the print world with models and e-commerce then I started working weddings and loved it so much I began to focus all my efforts that way. I believe what sets me apart with my clients is my more natural style approach to makeup. I love to naturally enhance my clients own God given beauty so that they’re able to shine and feel most like themselves on such a big day. What I am most proud of is how many people I’ve been able to meet and make friends with along the way. I’ve been able to keep up with past brides as a bridesmaid of theirs is now getting married and also wants to hire me, so then I am able to hear about what’s happened since the last time I saw them all. It’s such a big honor that someone wants my work on their face for such an important day that they will always look back at. I’d love for potential clients to know that while I love makeup and hair, I first and foremost just love the feeling of making someone happy and feeling confident in their own skin. It’s not about the makeup, it’s about feeling good and loving the way you look but maybe sometimes, just enhancing things a little bit!

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

I think what helped build my reputation in the market was how hard I worked in the first couple of years on personal marketing. I joined a marketing group to learn more about going to events and speaking with people to broaden my range. I also joined some wedding marketing groups and went to events to mingle and get to know other professionals in the industry. I then would follow up and go out to coffee or breakfast/lunch so we could get to know each other more and see if we were interested in trying to work together. I also love to send small gifts or cards for Christmas if I am able!

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been getting reviews from past clients. I have multiple platforms that I can accept reviews on and I will reach out to past clients and ask for honest reviews about my work which has turned into more people finding my information.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.golden-glow-beauty.com
• Instagram: @crystal.goldenglowbeauty
• Yelp: Golden Glow Beauty

Image Credits
Dan and Tyler Photography to some