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

Frances, appreciate you joining us today. undefined

When I was in beauty school earning my certification to become a makeup artist, I remember listening to my instructor tell me how, sometimes, she will stay long after finishing a bride’s makeup to help her get in her dress and also do makeup touchups. She also shared a funny instance when a bride couldn’t find her cat and wanted help locating her. I took those examples and ran with them (the cat story is just for giggles)! I really enjoy being a helper! It’s in my nature. Since I was already going to be a makeup artist (and eventually a hairstylist) I knew that I was already going to be on sight at whatever venue I was working at. So, why not offer to stay and help with a variation of tasks on the wedding day? That’s when I decided to be a Bridal & Event Assistant. I had to narrow down my do’s so that I wouldn’t be confused or step into the roll of a day of coordinator, for weddings. I was so excited to start offering my services as a packaged deal and was very excited when I received my first booking as the bride’s makeup artist and bridal assistant. As soon as I was done with her makeup, I drove to her venue and worked on setting up the dessert and appetizer tables. My job was basically to keep it stocked and clean throughout the reception. After that, I wanted to do it again and again. I knew I was on to something. Its been 4 years since I started and I love it!

Frances, 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?

Before I delve into the small business owner realm, I was an elementary teacher for KCKPS for 8 years. I was pregnant with my second child when I enrolled part-time at a beauty school. Then, the plan wasn’t to stop teaching, I was simply interested in learning new makeup skills for myself so that I could improve my own makeup looks. When I met my instructor that’s when I learned how successful one could be as a makeup artist. I already beauty and fashion. The wheels were turning. I received my Makeup Designory certification in October of 2019, had my baby in February and I resigned from the school district in May of 2020. I became a stay at home mom with 2 little ones and started doing makeup on whomever would give me the opportunity. Later, I received my hairstyling certification to be more marketable. My business name became Frances Rodriguez Hair & Makeup Artist, LLC. I offer traditional and airbrush makeup, event hairstyling, and bridal and event assistance. I see myself as a one-stop-shop for most of my clients. My potential clients are those needing beauty services for any occasion but also for those who are hosting an event and would like help with it too. I can help with setup, decor, keeping the timeline flowing and cleanup. Not to mention, any kind of hair and makeup touchups along the way!
I really want my potential clients to know that I am here to help make sure you feel and look your best and that whatever event or occasion you have planned, will go smoothly! I enjoy the feeling I get when I see the day unfold the way it’s suppose to. Knowing I played a big role in that ,is rewarding. Since I have grown over the last 4 years, I have rebranded with a new logo and changed my business name to Frances Rodriguez Beauty & Events, LLC.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I believe what has helped me build my reputation within the industry I am in is being professional and having good & clear communication. When I first started in this business, I was shocked to read about unfortunate stories from clients who have dealt with the lack of professionalism and how inconsistent communication is with a lot of hair and makeup artists. It really gives us a bad name! My business is how I make a living and support my family of 6. I value what I do and I value my potential clients so I want to make it known, throughout the process, that I am trustworthy and I am serious about my work.
I am consistent with my communication and I am professional in the way that I dress, speak and carry myself. which is how one should be when giving a service.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

This is a good one!
A long time ago, my mentor, who is also a hair and makeup artist, told me that she never works with someone who she hasn’t met before. As a business owner, it’s important to know who you are inviting in to work alongside you in your business.

For the occasions when I need to bring extra hair and makeup artists, I have made it a priority to meet with each one. The purpose of this is to get a feel for them. Listen to how they talk, see what their personality is like through conversation, and able to check if they are a good fit for you and your business. I also use that time to talk about how I manage my business, my expectations, the details of the event and how payment will be given.
Since I have been in business for a few years now, I have my “go-t0” hair and makeup artists who I know deliver beautiful work and who are professional. They are already familiar with how I manage things.
As far as managing my beauty team, I send out a call sheet, a few days before, with all the information needed for the wedding or special event which includes a color coded timeline. I like to have an organized system so that things run as smoothly as possible.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.francesrodriguezbeautyandevents.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fr_beauty_and_events/
• Facebook: Frances Rodriguez Beauty & Events, LLC

Image Credits

Espy’s Photography
Lexi Rae Photography
Love & Lumos Photography