We were lucky to catch up with Justine Wenzel recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Justine thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

I think that depends on how you individually define success. Most people link success with “being known” or having a ton of followers or a specific dollar amount but years of digging and searching brought me to a place of realizing that for me success was tied to my purpose and how I was giving back to my community, how I was impacting others whether or not I was effectively using the gifts and talents I believe God blessed me with. I think in that way it take guts to go after something that others may not understand or support and being ok with that. I think it’s when you dare to risk public criticism and go after what you believe in leaving nothing on the table. I think its being 100% sold out on what you do and believing it it so much so that its done with passion, heart, commitment and creativity that is undeniable. People WANT to do business with you because you are the real deal. You know your craft and are committed, people sense that they can trust your motives because what you say and how you deliver intertwine. Sometimes we see business owners or businesses that don’t feel authentic or that lack integrity because there is a gap we notice from what they say they believe to what they deliver. I strive everyday to show up in person and on social media the same down to earth person who deeply cares for my clients and strives to provide value and a unique experience that never has them questioning or going elsewhere.

Think about the stores/businesses that you LOVE to do business with- They HAVE IT. What is IT and how can you use this as fuel to identify what makes YOU stand out. With so many choices of where to shop and who to do business with, why would they work with you? This takes some strategic soul searching and intentional execution to accomplish and set the tone for your customers.

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.

Well, Im a 30 something new mom to a micro preemie baby that came 3 months early!- a wife for almost 10 years, a multi passionate entrepreneur- makeup artist- podcaster- musician – real estate investor with my husband- dog mom etc. I have always been creative but more in the sense of singing, performing, dancing. Never did I think I was gifted in terms of makeup artistry or what I would call traditional ART, but it always intrigued me that idea of creating. Being ADHD I always found it beneficial to channel my anxious energy into something positive and productive. I fell in love with the before and after creative process of makeup and skincare at a young age as my mom was and still is a top director with mary kay cosmetics and I had the gift of watching her grow a business that has taught me so much since i was 7 years old. I was trained in so many areas and exposed to the most amazing women who showed me what was possible and how to help others feel more confident from the inside out. As a makeup artist and skincare/makeup educator and ambassador the most important part of that job is not what you think. I see myself as a hope dealer, a confidence coach with the vehicle of makeup to have those intimate moments in front of so many women where we can purposefully encourage them to see the best in themselves, enhance their look and reclaim confidence in themselves. Women can be incredible that way when they focus on THAT! I help women discover what’s truly great about them and maximize that. Working as a mother/daughter team with my mom im most proud of that work that we do- and we just happen to do it while also transforming a woman’s skincare or makeup regimen while encouraging positive and impactful moments of self care. In my opinion that best thing that could be trending right now!

Our style and branding is simplifying makeup and skincare for women, helping them to embrace who they are and find the magic in it. Makeup is not about applying layers and layers to change how you look or cake it on to look like everyone else, its about standing out in your zone of genius and most beautiful self inside and out and letting your confidence grow in the process.

Have you ever had to pivot?

During Covid as you can imagine, the landscape of this makeup and personal care industry changed. Weddings got postponed or made smaller and some people weren’t hiring makeup artists, some weddings were made smaller and client appointments in person were different for lots of reasons.

During this time we put together little pampering/custom makeup sample kits that we would send to clients in the mail and that way we could meet with them over zoom or FaceTime to teach them from more of an educational approach.

We truly feel like this was a big pivot for us and were so surprised that when this challenge was presented we were able to turn it into an opportunity to get creative! Thats what challenges can do if you look at them that way.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Growing our clientele seems like a strength for us and I think there are a lot of strategic reasons for this. 1. Treating your existing clients so well and being detail oriented so that they are the ones that help put your name out there- its investing in THEM rather than as much public advertising. Ex. custom gifts for best clients, noticing details, gifts that WOW that they share on social and with their influence of people in their circle, hand written cards, building a longevity relationship to are their go to for future events ( This is done when you layer them with consistent information that keeps them informed, keeps it fun and with you at the forefront of their mind!)

2. Marketing within the right circles. Let me explain. If you want to solidify a clientele for bridal, its being involved in events, experiences and circles where those people hang out and do business, creating solid partnerships with other likeminded business owners to work together has been an intentional shift and focus that makes such a difference.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jmmakeupandbridal.com
• Instagram: @jmmakeupandbridal , @jwenzel29, @couragequeenpod

Image Credits
Shelby Triglianos Photography + Captured by Jennilee Photography