We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Darcy Harrington a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Darcy thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Any thoughts about whether to ask friends and family to support your business. What’s okay in your view?
I have been so lucky to be surrounded by so much support from the very onset of starting my business, from both family and friends. I will say that having three sisters came in handy at the start of my ventures, there was always a face to work on and practice on. Asking for support sometimes just looked like demanding someone get in my chair! My family and friends have used social media in such a positive way to support my business by sharing my photos, liking my posts, tagging me in community events, and sharing my profle to those in need of services. It’s a wonderful advantage as a business owner that a single click on social media can have such a ripple affect. I have an enormous amount of gratitude for all who have shared my name and shown unwavering support, without me even asking. believe that providing the best quality experience possible, which is always my main priority, as well as connecting with people as more than a business transaction has created a natural momentum of support and allowed me to reach a much larger clientele.
Darcy, 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?
I do professional makeup and hair styling, specializing in Bridal, Commercial, & Magazine Shoots. As far as makeup I am known for creating both natural and soft glam looks. I specialize in hot tools, blowouts, and bridal hair styling. I accept individual clients as well as group events. I’ve worked on set with Magnetic Creative Productions, doing commercials for Chilis Restaurant, Naturvet, Nexgrill, Alma Lasers, and Brave Books. I’ve done makeup for the cover of San Diego Women’s Magazine, and Exploring Lafayette Life Financial magazine. My work has been seen on the face of professional athlete, Kerri Walsh Jennings. I’m very proud of all these accomplishments, and I’m most proud of the fact that never giving up on myself is what led me to all these memorable experiences. I followed my heart, took a leap of faith and trusted myself. I went all or nothing on my craft and it’s taken me to places I’ve dreamed of. I think what sets me apart from others is my ability to be open minded with other artist, and humbly learn from everyone I meet. Whether an artist is just starting out, or they’ve been an artist for 25 years I know there is something to learn. As a person I accept everyone for who they are, and try to truly connect with all my clients. I appreciate greatly anyone who allows me the opportunity to work with them, and feel so blessed that my artistry can make a difference in my community and the lives of others.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Starting Alain Artistry was in fact a giant life and career pivot. I had previously earned my degree from San Fransisco State in Liberal Arts with an emphasis in education. I was in the process of joining a teaching program when my inner voice began to tell me that my heart was just somewhere else. I had always loved beauty ever since I was a tiny girl. I was torn, as I had just dedicated many years of my life to becoming a teacher, but something inside me just knew that wasn’t where my happiness was. Wanting to change career paths was a bold choice that I had to make for myself regardless of the judgements I could potentially face from others in my family or my life. It was a choice to trust my intuition, and to bet on myself. I knew that starting a venture in beauty was more authentic for me than being a teacher. Once I knew that to be true in my heart I took that leap of faith and immediately enrolled in the Paul Mitchell School. I put my best foot forward and started back at square one in a new field. All of the beautiful experiences I have had thus far with my business and all of the amazing people I have encountered, have made that scary choice well worth it. I didn’t settle, I took a risk, I embraced change and the rewards have been limitless.
Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?
Funding the start up of my business required some serious creativity and resourcefulness. I knew I wanted to provide my clients with most luxurious of products to obtain the best results, but filling a kit of these products is not cheap. I Learned how to blend products to make multiple shades, I researched what products were most universal for different skin types and tones, and started with those. I ultimately had to make the best of what I had, until I could afford to continuously add to my kit. My kit to this day is constantly changing and growing as I stay on trend, and evolve with the best new products. I have added lights, chairs, brushes, and transport carriers as my clientele and profits have expanded. Looking back at what I started with in my kit, to what can now provide my clients, I feel tremendous pride at how far I have come. At times in the beginning it truly was a struggle, but one that I always knew would be short lived, as long as I continued to hustle, perfect my craft, and market myself correctly. Gaining the funds I needed to be where I am now, was a slow and steady process, but one that taught me perseverance and to remain positive. Everyone has to start somewhere, which is something that I had to remind myself. I had to give myself grace and remember that ultimately it was my skill, character, and artistry that would gain clients, and that the best kit would eventually come.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.alainnartistry.com
- Instagram: Alainnxartistry
Image Credits
Sabrina Lynn Photography