We were lucky to catch up with Meghan Ellis recently and have shared our conversation below.

Meghan, appreciate you joining us today. How has Covid changed your business model?

When I originally opened for business in February 2020 I was only offering makeup services and spray tans. Just two weeks after opening I temporarily closed due to the Covid shutdown. During this time I was already training online for a new service that just hit the beauty scene – Brow Lamination. I continued to learn more about the service during the downtime of not being able to work. Once salons got the green light to open back up about 4 months later, I was able to start offering the new Brow Lamination service. The timing of this couldn’t have been more perfect. If I was solely relying on makeup services I don’t think my business would have survived – with the mask mandate and all social events coming to a halt, I do not believe makeup services/investing in a new makeup routine would’ve been a priority to many women at this time. Thankfully eyebrows were still something that could be seen even when wearing masks. It also helped that lamination was something so new that it created curiosity and a solution to many women’s eyebrow woes.

During the downtime of the shutdown it also allowed much time for me to build my social media presence and connect with new followers by creating challenges that would help our mental health while stuck at home, at home facials, skincare and makeup tips.

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?

My beauty background started out in hair 15 years ago, but that career took a backseat as I pursued my paralegal career. Fast forward many years later something was missing as I was becoming unhappy and uninspired working solely as a paralegal. This is when I began to brainstorm and explore the ideas that I could use my cosmetology license in ways outside of working as a hair stylist. You often hear about makeup artists that provide services for special events such as weddings, photoshoots, etc., but what about every day life? I knew my love for makeup and the makeup from Seint could help so many women become more educated and confident in their everyday beauty routines – feeling confident shouldn’t be reserved for special occasions only. About 6 months later is when I opened Makeupology. Now 3.5 years later, as my business transitioned a bit after covid, brows are more of the focus and speciality that I offer (helping women recover from the 90’s brows specifically), but I also still help many women per month with makeup lessons and advice.

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

Social media and referrals are my main source for new clients. No matter how new you are to social media or how many followers you have, it’s a great way to advertise and provide value to your followers and potential clients. Creating connections is what will ultimately lead you to your ideal clientele – if someone vibes with you on social media, chances are they will do the same in person. And that’s the secret sauce that your competitors won’t have – you, your personality, your quirks, and your vibe. Don’t be afraid to show your personality and some of your personal life too – people buy from people. Having a heartbeat behind your brand helps build connections and trust.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Consistency is key. Even when you think “no one cares” or “no one is watching” that’s when you show up anyway. Being present on social media can be intimidating at first when it’s new to you, but practice makes perfect and we all start from ground zero. It’s a free marketing tool that can really drive your business when used properly. And if social media ends up not being your thing, outsource it. Focus your time and energy on the things you enjoy and you’re good at – don’t be afraid to hire help in the areas you lack. You can’t wear all the hats and give each area 100% so outsourcing things like social media and bookkeeping can help.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.makeupology.net/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/__makeupology__/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Makeupology/100063609669269/
• Other: Google reviews: https://goo.gl/maps/kZHU9VfkEwDUHiYo9

Image Credits
Abbie Strader Photography