We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Milisent Saav. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Milisent below.

Milisent, appreciate you joining us today. Can you recount a story of an unexpected problem you’ve faced along the way?

The most challenging obstacles weren’t artistic—they were the unexpected turns life threw my way. Navigating divorce, illness, and loss while building my business tested me in ways I never imagined. Each hardship forced me to reframe my perspective, viewing these challenges not as setbacks but as opportunities for growth. I learned to hold myself accountable, give myself grace, and move forward as a victor, not a victim.

One pivotal moment came during the pandemic when I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. It was terrifying, knowing I was more vulnerable to severe illness, and I felt immense guilt for the habits that led to this diagnosis. After processing the fear and shame, I took control. I changed my lifestyle, focused on nourishing my body, and rediscovered the person I wanted to be. Reversing my diabetes was transformative—not just physically but emotionally. For the first time in a long time, I recognized and loved the reflection staring back at me.

Just as I was finding my footing, divorce hit. It felt like a failure, a loss beyond just a partner but of the future we had envisioned. Grieving that loss challenged my trust—in others and in myself. Yet, in the aftermath, I found clarity. When someone leaves you at your lowest, it’s an opportunity to rebuild. I channeled my energy into my goals, focusing on becoming the best version of myself.

These experiences taught me that while life’s curveballs may knock you down, they also have the power to shape you into something stronger and more resilient. Through it all, I’ve learned that perseverance, self-compassion, and a relentless focus on growth can turn even the darkest moments into something beautiful.

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.

The beauty industry has always captivated me. As a child, I was inspired by movies and magazines showcasing special effects and stunning makeup looks. At 18, I began pursuing this passion professionally, taking on freelance work whenever I could. At the time, I had a full-time job in the insurance industry, and makeup artistry was just a part-time hustle. But as time went on, it became clear where my heart truly was.

In 2019, I took a leap of faith and opened my own studio, focusing on Microblading. I obtained my tattoo artist license and later became an Esthetician, transforming what started as a side gig into a fulfilling career. I was always the go-to person for makeup advice—whether it was helping my coworkers with their brows during lunch breaks or teaching friends how to perfect their winged eyeliner. I never imagined this would become my livelihood, but I’m incredibly grateful that it has.

What I’m most proud of is the resilience it took to keep going. Like any entrepreneur, there were countless moments of self-doubt. But moments like this interview remind me that my work is seen, valued, and worth pursuing. I’m not grateful for my loyal client’s, but also the woman who have trusted me to train them and show how they too can build a stream of income doing something they love. To anyone chasing a dream, my advice is to trust the process, stay patient, and keep pushing—even when it feels impossible. Every step forward, no matter how small, is a win.

Above all, I want my clients, as well as those who follow me and my business, to know that my work goes beyond aesthetics—it’s about helping women regain their confidence. At Milisent & Co., we aim to provide not just services but an experience that uplifts and inspires. For me, this work is deeply personal, and I’m honored to be part of my clients’ journeys to rediscover their self-esteem.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I think it’s difficult for others to truly understand someone else’s path, especially in today’s world. Building a sustainable business requires cruising through challenges that many outside the industry might not even consider “work.” For example, maintaining a presence on social media is crucial. Whether it’s showcasing my work on clients or posting images of myself, every post is intentional and strategic. These days, staying relevant means wearing multiple hats, and I believe the level of effort it takes is often underestimated by those in more traditional careers.

We’re not just makeup artists, brow specialists, or hairstylists. Those who excel in this field are, in many ways, like science enthusiasts with a passion for beauty. We understand the chemical composition of ingredients and how different skin types and textures react to products. We analyze facial structure to create balance, symmetry and ultimately bring someone’s max potential to fruition. We use color theory to curate palettes that bring out a client’s best features and study shapes to recommend the most flattering hairstyles. Developing this skill set requires years of research, practice, and experience to not only know what looks good but why it works.

In many ways, we’re like fairy glam mothers, using our expertise to help clients look and feel their best. And beyond the artistry, we also balance the demands of running a business—managing finances, marketing, client relationships, and more. It’s a juggling act that requires resilience and creativity.

There’s a quote that says “It takes a lot of hard work to make something look so easy.” We bring our clients vision of art to life every day, and like any industry, it should be respected just the same. So if you have a creative in your life and they earn a living doing something that’s seemingly simple, don’t undermine their capabilities. Mastery is making what’s difficult look effortless. Therefore, the easier they appear to handle their craft with grace, the more work it took to get them on that level.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

The best advice I can give about social media is to start planting the seed well before launching your business. While I worked a corporate job in insurance, I never branded myself that way. My focus was always on beauty, and I consistently spoke about it. Staying aligned with a specific topic builds credibility and positions you as an expert in your field. If you’re juggling unrelated ventures, you risk diluting your message and losing trust.

For example, when I opened my studio specializing in brows, I had no prior experience as a cosmetic tattoo artist. However, because my social media presence revolved entirely around makeup, people assumed Microblading was a natural next step for me. This perception was a result of consistency. People trusted me because I had built a reputation in beauty, and that trust translated into 33 clients booking with me in my first month of business.

To build momentum, I started with giveaways, collaborated with influencers, and offered promotional rates for early bookings. But the most powerful growth tool for my business has been word of mouth. Social media is important, but never underestimate the impact your clients can have on your business. By building authentic relationships and genuinely caring about their needs, your clients become your greatest advocates—your walking billboards.

Stay consistent, build trust, and let your passion speak through your work. The rewards will follow.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milisentsaav?igsh=bTFycWt2djMzbmp2
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/lis.m.roberts/
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/milisentandco?igsh=MWwwMjBhenBoMjZ0aQ==