We were lucky to catch up with Kelly Yetzer recently and have shared our conversation below.
Kelly, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Getting that first client is always an exciting milestone. Can you talk to us about how you got your first customer who wasn’t a friend, family, or acquaintance?
I remember the day vividly when I received my first permanent makeup client who wasn’t a friend, family member, or a referral. It was a moment filled with excitement, fear and a sense of accomplishment for me.
After months of hard work and dedication to perfecting my craft, I had finally established my own permanent makeup studio. I had carefully designed a beautiful and inviting space, equipped with state-of-the-art tools and a relaxing atmosphere.
To attract new clients, I had been actively promoting my services through social media, local advertisements, and word-of-mouth. I had also reached out to various beauty influencers and offered them complimentary treatments in exchange for sharing their experiences with their followers.
One day, I received a call from a woman named Sarah who had come across my Facebook page and was following me during my apprenticeship. She had been considering getting her permanent eyeliner re-done for a while and was intrigued by the positive reviews and stunning before-and-after photos she saw. So she booked an appointment.
The day of Sarah’s appointment arrived, and I made sure everything was prepared to provide her with the best experience possible. I greeted her warmly, ensuring she felt relaxed and at ease. We discussed the shape and color she desired, and I sketched out a design to ensure we were on the same page.
As I began the eyeliner process, Sarah expressed her interest in getting her eyebrows microbladed as well, as she wanted to enhance her natural brows and save time on her daily makeup routine. I can’t tell you how thrilled I was to hear her enthusiasm and immediately started explaining how the process worked. Then, I carefully listened to Sarah’s desires and expectations. I explained the process, answered her questions. Sarah felt comfortable and confident in my abilities, and we decided to move forward with the appointment. Throughout the procedure, we engaged in friendly conversation, which helped to create a comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere.
When I finished, I handed her a mirror to reveal her new eyeliner. Sarah’s eyes filled with joy and amazement as she saw the transformation. She couldn’t believe how natural and beautiful they looked. It was a moment of pure bliss for both of us.
As Sarah expressed her gratitude and excitement, she handed me the payment for the service. It was my first dollar of revenue, a symbol of the trust she had placed in me and the success of my brand. I couldn’t help but feel a surge of pride and accomplishment.
That day marked a significant milestone for my business. It was the moment when I realized that all the hard work, dedication, and passion I had poured into my business and brand had paid off. It was the beginning of a journey filled with more clients, more success stories, and the opportunity to make a positive impact on people’s lives through the art of permanent makeup.
Kelly, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Absolutely! I’d be happy to introduce myself and share more about my brand and the services I provide.
My name is Kelly Yetzer, and I am a professional in the permanent makeup & tattoo industry. I have always had a passion for beauty and art, and I found my true calling in the artistry of permanent makeup. I was fascinated by the ability to enhance people’s natural features and boost their confidence through skillful techniques.
My journey into this industry began with my own bad brow experience. When I couldn’t find someone I thought could fix the work I had already had I decided to pursue my own education. I initially attended a specialized course at MN Brow Lash Academy and then to further my skill I attended several workshops, have taken a dozen online courses to master the various techniques and stay updated with the latest trends and advancements. I believe in continuous learning and strive to refine my skills to provide the best possible experience for my clients.
At my studio, I offer a range of permanent makeup services, including my signature services of Luxury Feather Nano Brows, Watercolor Lip Blushing, Soft Effect Eyeliner tattooing, Fine Line Tattoos, Paramedical Services and so much more. These services are designed to enhance and define one’s natural beauty, providing clients with long-lasting and hassle-free results. I am dedicated to creating natural-looking and personalized results that complement each individual’s unique features and preferences.
One of the problems I aim to solve for my clients is the time-consuming daily makeup routine. Many people spend significant time and effort perfecting their eyebrows, eyeliner, or lips each day. With my permanent makeup services, clients can wake up with perfectly shaped eyebrows, defined eyes, or beautifully tinted lips, saving them valuable time and effort.
What sets me apart from others in the industry is my attention to detail, artistic approach, and commitment to client satisfaction. I prioritize open communication and listening to my clients’ needs and desires. Each treatment is tailored to the individual, taking into account their facial structure, skin tone, and personal preferences. I strive to create a comfortable and relaxed environment, ensuring my clients feel at ease throughout the process.
I am most proud of the positive impact I have made on my clients’ lives. Seeing their increased confidence and happiness after their permanent makeup treatments is truly rewarding. It brings me joy to know that I have played a part in helping them feel more beautiful and self-assured.
For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want them to know that I am dedicated to providing high-quality services and exceptional results. I value professionalism, hygiene, and safety above all else. I use only top-of-the-line products and adhere to strict sanitation protocols to ensure the well-being of my clients.
I also believe in educating my clients about the procedures, aftercare, and maintenance to help them make informed decisions and achieve long-lasting results. I am always available to answer any questions or concerns they may have, even after their treatment is complete.
Lastly, I am passionate about building a community and fostering a positive experience for my clients. I often mesh with other beauty professionals and stay actively engaged on social media to share tips, trends, and inspiration. I want my clients and followers to feel connected and supported throughout their beauty journey.
Overall, I am dedicated to providing exceptional permanent makeup services that enhance natural beauty, save time, and boost confidence. I invite anyone interested in my work to reach out, ask questions, and join me on this exciting and transformative journey.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
Several factors have contributed to building my reputation within the permanent makeup market. Here are a few key elements:
1. Skill and Expertise: I have invested significant time and effort in acquiring the necessary skills and expertise in the field of permanent makeup. Through comprehensive training, workshops, and continuous learning, I have honed my techniques and stayed up-to-date with the latest industry trends. This commitment to excellence has allowed me to deliver high-quality results consistently.
2. Attention to Detail: I firmly believe that the success of any permanent makeup procedure lies in paying attention to the smallest details. From the initial consultation to the final touch-up, I ensure that each step of the process is meticulously executed. By carefully considering factors such as facial structure, skin tone, and individual preferences, I am able to create customized, natural-looking results that exceed my clients’ expectations.
3. Client Satisfaction: Client satisfaction is at the heart of my business. I prioritize open communication, actively listening to my clients’ needs, and understanding their desired outcomes. By fostering a comfortable and welcoming environment, I aim to create a positive experience for every individual who walks through my doors. My commitment to delivering exceptional customer service before, during and after has resulted in a high rate of client satisfaction and positive reviews.
4. Attention to Hygiene and Safety: Maintaining a clean and safe environment is of utmost importance in the permanent makeup industry. I strictly adhere to hygiene protocols and use only top-quality, sterile equipment and products. By prioritizing the safety and well-being of my clients, I have built trust and credibility within the market.
5. Positive Word-of-Mouth and Referrals: Satisfied clients have played a crucial role in building my reputation. When clients are thrilled with their results, they often share their experiences with their friends, family, and online communities. Positive word-of-mouth and referrals have been instrumental in expanding my client base and establishing trust in my brand.
6. Online Presence and Social Media Engagement: In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is essential for building a reputation within any industry. I actively engage with my audience on social media platforms, sharing before-and-after photos, educational content, and client testimonials. By showcasing my expertise and providing valuable information, I have been able to reach a wider audience and build credibility in the market.
Overall, a combination of skill, attention to detail, client satisfaction, hygiene, positive word-of-mouth, and online presence has been instrumental in building my reputation within the permanent makeup market. I am grateful for the trust and support of my clients, and I am committed to continuing to deliver exceptional results and experiences.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Certainly! The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges for businesses worldwide, and my permanent makeup studio was no exception. However, with resilience and adaptability, I was able to navigate through this difficult time without losing my business.
When the pandemic hit and lockdown measures were implemented, I had to temporarily close my studio, just 2 short months after opening, which meant a significant loss of income and uncertainty about the future. It was a challenging and uncertain period, but I was determined to find a way to keep my business afloat and support my clients.
One of the first steps I took was to proactively communicate with my clients. I reached out to them individually, updating them about the situation, rescheduling appointments, and offering support and reassurance. This open and transparent communication helped maintain a strong connection with my clients, building trust and loyalty.
To adapt to the new circumstances, I explored alternative avenues to generate income and provide value to my clients. I began offering virtual consultations, where clients could discuss their permanent makeup goals and receive personalized recommendations from the comfort of their homes. This allowed me to continue serving my clients and generating some revenue during the closure period.
Additionally, I invested time in enhancing my online presence and leveraging social media platforms. I created informative and engaging content, such as, tips, and product recommendations, to keep my audience engaged and connected. By staying active on social media, I was able to maintain visibility and reach potential clients who were interested in permanent makeup services once restrictions were lifted.
As restrictions eased, and it became possible to reopen my studio, I implemented stringent safety measures to ensure the well-being of my clients and staff. I followed all government guidelines, including regular sanitization, temperature checks, mandatory mask-wearing, and limited capacity. These measures not only provided a safe environment for my clients but also instilled confidence in them to return for their treatments.
Throughout this challenging period, resilience played a crucial role in keeping my business alive. I remained adaptable, open to new ideas, and willing to make necessary adjustments. While there were moments of uncertainty and setbacks, I never lost sight of my passion for permanent makeup and the positive impact it has on my clients’ lives.
By staying focused and determined, I was able to weather the storm and come out stronger on the other side. I am grateful for the support of my clients who stood by me during this time and for the resilience that allowed me to keep pursuing my passion even in the face of adversity.
The experience taught me the importance of being agile and adaptable in the ever-changing business landscape. It reinforced the need to stay connected with clients, embrace technology, and continuously innovate to meet their evolving needs.
I am proud to say that despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, my business not only survived but also thrived. Today, I continue to serve my clients with the same commitment, passion, and resilience that got me through those difficult times.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.beyoutiful.ink
- Instagram: @beyoutifulinkstudioacademy
- Facebook: @beyoutifulinkstudioacademy
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/beyoutiful-ink-studio-academy-little-falls
Image Credits
Christina Johnson Photography first and last photo. The other photos are my own