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

Alright, Devyn thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

Upon entering the industry, I had an idea of what to expect (my Mother being a Cosmetologist and salon owner) but when it becomes your reality, it’s a different game. I love the joke “I quit my 9-5 job so I could have the freedom to work 24 hours a day” because it’s so true. When you’re an independent artist, you’re not just an artist- you were 20 different hats.

We live in a world where everything is instantaneous and effortless and we get this false reality from social media that everything is super easy and obtainable. When you’re an independent artist, you’re also a social media manager, chief marketing officer, manager of operations, educator, therapist, a lifelong student, I could keep going on.

When I first started, I was lucky enough to know that no one was going to be in my chair unless I put them there. Marketing myself and getting myself in front of every person’s face was my biggest struggle but payoff. “Consistency is key” is true.

Also, Customer Service was my top priority. We’re lucky enough to live in a time where so many artists are educated and talented at their craft. In my opinion, having a trusting relationship with your client is important. I want all of my clients to trust that I have their best interest in mind and am giving them the honest truth whether it be giving them safe and professional products, continuously educating myself on safety and health and providing recommendations that are best fitted to the individual.

I wish there was a secret I could give to instant success but I believe, no matter the situation, everyone has to work from the bottom up. It’s hard, it’s frustrating, it’s exhausting, but it’s worth it.

Devyn, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am Devyn Buschard and I am a Cosmetic Tattoo and Luxury Beauty Artist in my ever growing hometown of Bellevue, Kentucky (located right outside of Cincinnati, Ohio).

Especially since becoming a mother, the older I get, the less time and patience I have to stand in front of a mirror daily. My favorite thing in the world is being able to jump right out of bed and look my best. When you look good and ready, you feel good and ready. My passion and career centers around one word- “effortless”. I provide the essentials to wake up every morning flawless- Natural Brow and Lash services like Lash Lifts, Brow Lamination, Shaping and Tinting, Eyelash Extensions and Permanent Makeup, specializing in Powder Brows.

My Mother (and boss) has been a cosmetologist since I was a child and is my inspiration for both my career and life. She created a career and business that I wanted for myself. The skills that I have learned from her are, in my opinion, what set us both apart and drive success in our business- putting clients first. It sounds stereotypical and cliche but creating an environment for my clients to focus on themselves and leave their reality at the door is my priority. I’m not just giving you Lash Extensions; our salon is a space where you can check out, relax, vent about your life, laugh with friends, forget “Mom Guilt”, feel safe to receive advice and, of course, boost your confidence and self love.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The text I receive a day or two after I see a client telling me that they can’t stop gushing over themselves or thanking me. I screenshot and save every message to a folder.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Word-of-mouth and referrals make up 80% of my clientele. No matter what products or services an Artist is producing, sharing their name with your friends or sharing their social media posts puts money in your Artists’ pockets without taking a cent out of yours. It’s the easiest and most effective way to help us all. Us local artists are your friends and neighbors; we are not a corporation. Every purchase or referral makes a difference to us.

Contact Info:

• Website: Hohpmu.com
• Instagram: @DEVYNPMUA
• Facebook: facebook.com/DEVYNPMUA
• Other: @LocalRootsSalonKy

Image Credits
Nina Verkamp – Verkamp Photography