Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Elle Ostapuk . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Elle, thanks for joining us today. The more we talk about good leadership the more we think good leadership practices will spread and so we’d love for you to tell us a story about the best boss you’ve had and what they were like or what they did that was so great?

As someone who has been working since the age of 14, I definitely have had several great bosses, but the most amazing boss i’ve ever had would be Zoe, the owner of Seventh Heaven AZ. She is so inspiring and really pushes me to better my skills. I started working with her by taking one of her training courses for Organic Teeth Whitening, and a few months later started working for her! She has truly taught me so many things not only related to the beauty industry, but life lessons that can carry over into anything. Thank you Zoe!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

For those who haven’t met me, hello! I started my journey as a business owner when i was 16. I didn’t know anything about running a business, but I knew that I had a passion for doing hair and makeup. In 2020, I got my LLC, and started contracting for bigger companies to really expand my skill set. I specialize in Bridal Hair and Makeup, but I absolutely adore creative shoots, and love being able to work with new things I normally wouldn’t. I do this, alongside being contracted with Seventh Heaven AZ, where you can find me doing lash extensions, brow laminations, lash lifts, teeth whitenings, and now tiny tattoos! I love that my career gives me the opportunity to express my creativity and meet so many amazing people.

The one thing I am most proud of is my clientele! I see the most wonderful people and strive to build the best relationships with them. Whether I see you one time for your wedding, or multiple times a month for lash refills, you are so special to me!

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

The best source of new clients for me has honestly been word of mouth & referrals from current clients. One good review goes a long way! I could post on instagram and other platforms multiple times a day to try and bring in new clients, but seeing is believing, and interaction with someone who has had a great experience will draw them in!

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I have had to unlearn is taking things personally. In this industry, people are going to have preferences and opinions, and you have to learn that you are not for everyone and that’s okay.

I realized this when I had a client who raved over my work, and got in my chair, and then realized she was not a fan of a more natural look for makeup. This is my specialty and something I am super confident in, and that style is what brings my clients to me. Since we did not align, I referred her elsewhere, and was very disappointed in myself for not having the style she wanted.

I sat down and talked to another artist I know, and he told me “you are great at what you do, and you don’t need to change to bring in other clients. Be authentic and proud of what you are great at.” These words really stuck with me, and have helped me build an amazing client base.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/ellealiece?fbclid=PAAaZyIYUjLW3n-t8LQK5_vm0EZWTPMa2s_POnYsIZ9JJiFB_KhgrkTqIvfsA
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/ellealiece

Image Credits
Sage & Honey Photography Allison Slater