We recently connected with Jill Anderson and have shared our conversation below.
Jill, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you come up with the idea for your business?
Becoming a professional makeup artist was not always my dream career. I always wanted to be in the medical field until I started college, and realized it was not for me. After that, I knew I didn’t want a boring 9-5 job. I wanted something that allowed me to be creative and work at my own pace. I was introduced to the beauty world by my best friend, who is a cosmetologist. I worked as a makeup assistant in school while getting my aesthetics license. Though I have always had a passion for makeup, it didn’t always occur to me to make a career out of it. Once I entered the beauty field I knew I was where I needed to be. After I became licensed for aesthetics, I started doing freelance makeup on the weekends and during any free time I had. I truly have such a rewarding job, and I couldn’t be more thankful for the opportunities I’ve been given. This industry is so supportive and empowering, I have met so many people and made so many new friendships, I know I made the right choice. If you’ve ever had a dream, chase it, you won’t regret the outcome!
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Jill. I am a licensed esthetician and pro makeup artist! I went to college for a year after high school and realized it was not for me. I took a semester off and then decided to start aesthetics school. I fell in love with the industry and the rest is history. I was already working as a makeup assistant through school, so when I got out, I started building my own clientele for weddings and event makeup. Right now I work at a day spa, in Chattanooga, Tn, through the week. I do a multitude of services including: lashes, brows, facials, waxing, spray tans and more! I mostly do wedding makeup on the weekends, but I love doing event and photoshoot makeup as well.
I feel that I have grown so much over the last 3 years. I have had some crazy opportunities that I never thought would be possible. I had a magazine interview with the Nashville Voyager earlier this year, which was so fun. I was also asked to be on my local news channel to talk about my job, I still can’t believe that happened! I have also been to a few makeup conventions and met some of my favorite brands, and celebrity makeup artists.
I’m always trying to stay up to date with the latest trends for makeup. I love collecting products and trying new things. The thing I love most about my job is I can never be bored. I’m always looking to learn something new, and be the best I can be for my clients!
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
Social media is such an important tool for our industry. It is a place for people to connect, share, and learn from each other. While it can seem like another full time job, it is worth all the time you put in. Starting from the ground up can be overwhelming, but consistency is key! The more you show up and share the better. It is so important to be yourself, that is what will make you stand out from the rest of the crowd. Being consistent and cohesive go hand in hand as well. Branding shoots are a good way to help you get content that goes cohesively with your brand/account. Having a good portfolio on social media is important for grabbing potential clients interest. You really never know who is watching, even if you feel like no one is seeing your posts, I promise they are. Keep showing up!
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
Growing a clientele takes time. I have found that being consistent on social media, word of mouth, and networking are the best way to grow. Connecting with other artists is important, we are not competition everyone is rooting for each other. Getting your name out there can be tricky, when I first started I would do makeup jobs and styled shoots for free just to be seen. People will always want and need their makeup done for weddings and events, so don’t be discouraged. People will chose you based on the style of makeup you do, thats why it is important to be yourself and do what YOU love, even if the world doesn’t. Building relationships with your clients is another good way to get regulars in the door. If they love YOU and YOUR work they will do what it takes to book with you. Patience is important in the beginning, but hard work pays off.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @glambeauty.byjill
- Facebook: Glam Beauty by Jill
