Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kelly Bey-Borden . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Kelly , thanks for joining us today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?
I began my journey with the love of beauty & education. My love of the world of beauty lead me to becoming a licensed and certified makeup artist, the love of education pushed me to teach my skills to upcoming artist, and the passion for it all lead me to transition from artist to business owner. The support from home allowed me to believe that I could expand, the love and support from my customers from MAC and who I met along my journey allowed me to push to teach and brand myself. It took me YEARS to research, brand, network, and become known for my brand Flawless Faces Makeup Artistry & Cosmetics.
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?
I am licensed, makeup artist who has worked in in the beauty business for over 20 years. My initial focus in high school was cosmetology, but I became passionate with the art and creativity involved with makeup. After working for MAC Cosmetics for several years, I started her own company, Flawless Faces Makeup Artistry. I have had the pleasure of being hired as a makeup artist for weddings; proms; music videos; personal, group and professional photo shoots; birthday celebrations; political events; and other special occasions. In 2015, I launched a cosmetics line. Flawless Faces Makeup Artistry & Cosmetics features lipsticks, foundation sticks, concealer, lusters, eye shadow palettes, eyebrow pomade, turbans, highlighters, mascara, liquid liners, pomades, accessories, lashes, hats and more. Education has also been and passion, and i have been a special educator/IEP Chairperson in Baltimore City Public Schools for 2-decades. I have worked with the population of students with disabilities to ensure they receive the services needed and required to help them succeed. I believe, “If students are given the tools needed and are taught to their individual learning styles; they will thrive.” I am committed to making a difference in the lives of students in urban environments. I often serves as a mentor, friend and/or parental figure to her students long after they leave her school.
Giving back to the community is important to me and I often donate products and services; I volunteer in the community.
My passion from education & makeup artistry lead me to host monthly makeup classes and to continue to build my makeup brand.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Business ownership is hard, no matter what the type of business there will be challenges, therefore being resilient is necessary. There have been several times that stand out where I have had to be resilient, but one example that stands out is during the COVID-19 pandemic. All businesses took a hit and many did not make it and had to close doors. I was forced to let employees go due to no work, cancel events, classes, wedding makeup, prom makeup as the world “shut down” shortly before prom season and we were fully booked for prom makeup for at least 4-full weeks. When your back is against the wall, you must pivot and that is what I did! Within weeks I was putting virtual fliers out for my virtual makeup courses, I took my planned summer Flawless Turban reveal and revealed it immediately as I saw a need for turbans while hair salons were closed and the world went virtual. I marketed my turbans for Zoom meetings for work etc….the day the turbans launched, we sold out in 2-hours! My virtual makeup courses were offered 2x’s monthly from 5-7pm and for over a year classes were booked solid. Although the world is back in action and face-to-face, moving forward I will always offer virtual makeup classes as I realized the need for them beyond the pandemic. Without being resilient in this situation and similar situations, my business would not be as strong as it is.
How did you build your audience on social media?
When I began in business, there was no such thing as social media. Social media has been a blessing as it has opened people world-wide to FLAWLESS. Being older, I had no clue how to be successful with social media, but I enrolled in workshops & courses for people in business using social media and marketing apps. I also used my students, young girls I was training and family to be my teachers until I mastered it. I use social media daily! I post pictures, quotes, questions, facts, reflections, upcoming launches, new products, etc……daily to keep my audience engaged. My advice would be NETWORK!!! Post, make your brand relevant!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.flawlessfacesmakeupartistry.com
- Instagram: Flawless Faces Makeup Artistry
- Facebook: Flawless Faces Makeup Artistry
- Youtube: Flawless Faces Makeup Artistry
- Other: TikTok: FlawlessFacesMUA
Image Credits
Hollie B Glam Borden Media Keron Tooles