Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Crystel Franco-Cortez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Crystel, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today It’s easy to look at a business or industry as an outsider and assume it’s super profitable – but we’ve seen over and over again in our conversation with folks that most industries have factors that make profitability a challenge. What’s biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?
I would have to say. We hairstylists and makeup artists, are super grateful being in the event and bridal industry.
It is an industry that has come along way of emphasis on passing down knowledge and sharing how this industry works in addition to tutorials on the next greatest makeup and hair trends. Especially over on social media.
Beauty artists educate other beauty artists. That is the vibe that is seen on social media and forums. “When you win we all win.”
The question, what’s the biggest challenge to profitability in this industry?
In my view it’s not a monetary value with a number. It’s “What are you worth.”
All the different jobs and task are not see in the inspiration photo your bride or client pulls out on their phone.
What entails in being a hair and makeup artist for events and weddings.
There are a lot of variables and moving parts. Your not just a person who shows up just to apply a makeup application then call it a day.
It’s the behind the scenes, it is kit organization, it’s your admin, answering inquires, it’s the back and forth email communication with your bride for 6 months discussing her makeup and hair vision as will as educating her about skin prep. it’s cleaning your millions of brushes at 11 o clock at night because you had 3 weddings and tomorrow you have another one. Makeup brushes are needed to be clean and ready because you never no if a gig pops up that you may want to squeeze in. there is a couple hours that can go into brush cleaning. It’s the slow season, the perfect time to invest on education on making sure your business runs smoothly. It’s the keeping up with education on the newest styles and products.
You have to be a Social media manager and content creator. Its necessary with this day and age.
So much moving parts go into this thing we love. doing.
So
“What are we worth?” Right ?
That I feel is the challenge to profitability is knowing what your worth.
It is an absolute blessing that there is community of artists that help by sharing techniques on your niche as will as to help manage the back end of your beauty business and make a name for yourself.
Master class, forums and social media is in the reach of your hands
I hope this spreads a little awareness for entrepreneurs and small business.
Know your worth so you can keep doing what you love most, making others feel beautiful.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Hi I’m Crystel
I’m a bridal hair and makeup artist based in San Antonio, Texas.
How I got in the industry. I’ve been a hairdresser for 24 years, event and bridal stylist for 10. Makeup artistry going on 1 year
From being a hair stylist and working with other creatives in photoshoot collabs, I grew the interest in styling hair. Which eventually transitioned into event and weddings by working on my clients and friends who had events to attend.
The services I provide.
I specialize in Romantic, boho styles and soft glam/full glam makeup, servicing brides in the Texas Hill Country area
People ask what do you like better?
I love creating the whole look.
What sets me apart? I know everyone in the industry loves what they do. but I really really love what I do. I’m a huge believer in education to stay up to date on the latest wedding looks.
One achievements I’m super proud of is one my boss’s, my work bestie Laura Gorman and I were chosen by one of our celebrity makeupartist idol Lauren D’Amelio for Miss New York and Miss New York Teen USA pageant.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
Social media creating content by far has been an effective strategy growing a clientele. With everyone being on their phone and laptops by far social media. Consistently showing up even when I don’t have the energy or even when I didn’t know what captions to put on post.
Random example, I attended a makeup academy Boss Beauty Academy. During the coarse we worked on our fellow classmates and we were assigned to document our homework assignments that way when we became certified we had our portfolios set. This was such a great idea to have students start posting at the beginning of their makeup journey. Huge plus for the students.
Also at the end of a 17 week makeup coarse, one of my instructors had us do an extra credit homework assignment of listing 50 potential models for makeup. That way we can create content to promote ourselves to gain future clients.
I definitely had self doubt and limiting beliefs about my ability in doing makeup. Though that extra credit assignment of 50 models helped extremely. Booking 2 models consistently and sharing on instagram has boost bridal inquiries and collabs.
I’m super grateful to have had my makeup instructors Aliyah and Athina.
Let’s move on to buying businesses – can you talk to us about your experience with business acquisitions?
Yes I have bought a business with one of my long time friends Karla when I was about 24 or 25 years old.
My friend previously had a vintage store in Monterey Mexico and prior to our friendship we were introduce by a mutual friend who gave me the proposal if i wanted to co own a vintage clothing store with his friend Karla.
It was something on my bucket list in owning a clothing boutique. I wrote this down and it came into reality.
Karla and I became business partners and friends and opened up a store downtown San Antonio.
I used my own capital which that is something I wish I did differently. Using the capital of others and finding business grants is something I would have told my younger self to look into.
However it was the greatest experience ever to create boutique that also had flare that included one night of the month with bands performing!
I’m really grateful that I went on this journey with my friend Karla.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.crysteldoeshair.com
- Instagram: crysteldoeshair
- Facebook: Crystel Does Hair