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

Natalie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Looking back, do you think you started your business at the right time? Do you wish you had started sooner or later

I feel like I started my business at the perfect time in my life. I started working as a freelance makeup artist in 2016 and received my Esthetician license in 2018. Not long after, I rented a private suite in a salon and Natalie Elizabeth Beauty was born! At that time, I was still working my part-time job at a skincare and waxing center while doing hair and makeup for weddings on the weekends. I knew that I had a deep desire to be completely self-employed as a solo esthetician and makeup artist, so after I had saved up enough money I left my part-time job in 2019 to focus completely on my business. It was the scariest yet most exciting time of my life. I did really well in my business and stayed busy with clients up until the Covid-19 pandemic hit in 2020. We were on lock down for 2 months, unable to physically service clients. While on lock down, I took that time to find a better location to move my private suite and work on marketing. When we were able to come back, I was prepared to get right back to work and see my clients. The covid pandemic taught me to be prepared for anything. I think if I had started my business much later, like around the time the pandemic hit, it would have been more challenging for me to leave my job and focus on my business full time.

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

I have been in love with art and beauty since a young child. I grew up painting, drawing and sewing clothes on my barbie dolls in my spare time. I got into my mother’s Mary Kay makeup and fashion magazines every chance I could get my hands on it.

I began my beauty career working at makeup counters, and as an ambassador for various cosmetic brands while in college. I also worked on bridal teams doing hair and makeup for weddings. Over the years, I have collaborated with many photographers providing hair and makeup on creative shoots that have led to published work in online and print publications, as well as, commercial work with the Houston Texan’s corporate team. I have also been apart of backstage teams for fashion runway shows and fitness competitions across Texas. I have had the pleasure of providing hair and makeup to countless Brides and private clientele for special occasions. My clients know me best for my signature makeup applications that look radiant, polished and flawless without a heavy look.

After receiving my Esthetics license in 2018, I opened my own private studio named Natalie Elizabeth Beauty Studio where I offer in-studio makeup applications, bridal hairstyling, and corrective skincare treatments for my clients to help them achieve their skin goals. I also have another brand called ‘Brows and Lashes by Natalie’ where I offer lash extensions, lash lifts, waxing and brow services in the studio. I have a specialized technique for my lash and brow services that focuses on design and styling which enhances the unique beauty of my clients. Recently, I’ve discovered a passion for beauty photography and plan on adding this skillset to my tool belt in the near future. My goal is to work with cosmetic brands to create content and advertising campaigns for their products.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I definitely had to pivot my business after the Covid-19 lockdown. Coming back to work after 2 months off was a challenge. It forced me to examine my business and see where I could improve in my marketing strategy and what services I could potentially offer my clients so that I will be better prepared for the unexpected. Im working on creating online courses and products to expand my business past just offering physical services.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

I kept a part-time job for years before becoming self-employed to fund my business while I was building clientele on the side. After my bills were paid, I would use the left over money from my paycheck and tips to buy supplies, products, equipment and other things needed for the business.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.natalieelizabethbeauty.com
• Instagram: @natalieelizabethbeauty
• Other: Website and Instagram to my other business Brows and Lashes by Natalie: www.browsandlashesbynatalie.com @browsandlashesbynatalie

Image Credits
Photographers: Natalie Barry Essential Frame Photography