We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Detra Harrell a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Detra thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?

Actually, if I could go back in time, I would have started my business at the same exact time that I started it. When I decided to start my business, I felt like the timing was right. I had friends and colleagues who would encourage me to start my business way sooner than I did, but I didn’t feel like it was the right time. But when I got that feeling a couple of years ago, and couldn’t shake it, I knew it was time. I started my business in May of 2021. Career wise, previously, I was working in corporate makeup sales as an Account Executive and just had gone through a major group layoff, for the second time actually. I was feeling frustrated and not valued so I decided to go for it and work for myself. If I would have started my business sooner, who knows if I would have been given the same opportunities that I’m given now. That’s why I always follow and trust my instincts.

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

So I am an Esthetician and makeup artist, and my business is a mobile spa/ makeup studio where I come to you and provide skincare and/or makeup services. I got into the beauty industry in 2008 after graduating Esthetics school. I started out working at a salon doing skin treatments, after that moved to working in a med spa. After that, I got into freelance makeup sales, selling makeup to customers for specific brands at stores like Sephora and Ulta. Within a couple of years of doing that I was promoted to an Account Executive position where I worked for two different brands. What am I most proud of? I think that I’m a pretty determined person, and so to see myself building a business, building clientele, servicing clients and making them happy is truly a dream come true for me. I really want people to know just how much I love doing what I do and that I love connecting with people. I truly strive to create a memorable experience when I provide a service.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The best source of new clients for my business is actually referrals. I have an amazing clientele and they tell their friends, family members, co-workers about me and look out for me in a way that is amazing. Social media is a close second..

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

So, as I mentioned before I was an Account Executive in cosmetic sales, and had worked for two different brands. I had actually gone through major group layoffs with both companies. I actually loved that job. I got to learn how to market a brand, plan and execute in store events, go in store and sell and connect with people on a daily basis. But after my second layoff which was right before COVID, I had to figure out if I wanted to apply for another Executive position, work for someone else, or work for myself. So during lockdown I really took that time to think about what I wanted to do and ultimately decided on starting my own business. Was it scary to pivot from my usual? Of course! But I had to take the leap or I would have never known how it would have turned out right?

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mobilebeautybaa.com
• Instagram: @mobilebeautybaa
• Facebook: B.A.A. Beauty

Image Credits
Photos: G Photography by G