We recently connected with Jennifer Pincelli and have shared our conversation below.

Jennifer, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later

I started my business the year I turned 31. I went straight into the workforce right through High School and after, taking classes in Graphic Communications and working in that field for a few years. Still, I ended up switching jobs frequently, never finding what really suited me, from banking to childcare to office management. I enjoy spreadsheets and some office work, but I never felt anything was my calling. I was working as an office manager when I was laid off. I was about 29 and decided it was time to find something I enjoyed and felt fulfilled. At the time, my daughter was 9 yrs old., and I did a light zombie makeup on her. People were too nice on facebook and told me they would pay to have their makeup done similarly. Even though they were just being nice as it wasn’t that good, I did decide to go for it and try.
Makeup and hair were always an interest of mine, I enjoyed doing friends up before dances and such, but due to being a pretty extreme introvert, I thought I would not succeed. I also believed there was no money in the business, which I was wrong. I have found since, that as long as you are responsible and caring of your obligations and promises, you will succeed. I am glad I started when I did because I would not have been as reliable or dedicated earlier in my life. I had a young, frequently sick child and was young myself; I don’t believe I would have had the same success if starting any sooner. I have found that being at least 15 minutes early and ready to work goes miles in gaining people’s trust and confidence. This alone raised me in my client’s esteem, and I was given word-of-mouth referrals that allowed my business to grow and succeed. Not only that, but I also raised my skills, continually learning and practicing, even now, 13 yrs later.

Jennifer, 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 am a makeup artist first, that tends to dip into everything else creative around it. I purchased face paints when first starting out where I was going to add kids’ face painting to my skills. I quickly figured out that was NOT my calling and was asked by a photographer if I would consider doing a body paint with them. I did and found it was very fun to see your artwork come to life in a way. Since I have done many, but I tend to add some flare to makeups now rather than full body paints. Working with one of my favorite photographers, Laura Dark, I have also expanded my creative endeavors by making headpieces, styling wigs, making mermaid bras, and leaf cloaks, to name a few. Anything to create the best photo shoot we can!
My diverse skills set me apart. I can give you a sheer beautiful soft beauty look, then move to a gothy dramatic, dark as your soul black smokey eye with Marie Antoinette hair with horns. Not everyone can do that :)

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

When starting my business, my husband had begun being a reseller for items he finds at yard sales and auctions. He had many items that weren’t big money makers, and he didn’t have much interest in listing, caring more for the more significant impact items. He told me that if I listed them, I could have whatever profits I made from these items to get my business started. They added up, and it allowed me to start my kit and get classes started. I was fortunate to start in without any debt this way.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

I prefer to work with photographers to help their clients get ready for photo shoots, so the best source for me is to contact photographers directly. I introduce myself and let them know of my availability to help if they ever need a backup. This way, it is not stepping on any toes of any MUA that might already be working with them, but many times eventually gets my foot in the door and lets them see my professionalism and skill.

Contact Info:

• Website: oncallartistry.com
• Instagram: @oncallartistry
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OnCallArtistry/

Image Credits
Laura Dark Photography Jim Schwarz Photography