We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Semone Phillips a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Semone, thanks for joining us today. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Consistency and dedication! Sometimes it can be challenging to keep the train rolling and also having time to maintain your everyday life. You know, when you get the idea to start a business you know things will take time but no one tells you that it’s really a challenge running a business but it’s so worth it! You are going to have your high and low moments, your going to want to give up but the push through is priceless! I think you have to want it more than anything to be successful and make it to your goals. Patience is also something important to master because it gives you the mindset to not give up, everything takes time.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hey, my name is Semone Phillips and I’m makeup artist and owner of Within Beauty by Laura. I started my business in 2021 with very little capital. Doing makeup was just a new found hobby that I was actually pretty good at! I started in 2018, you know just watching YouTube tutorials and just trying to find something to occupy my time. A friend suggested that I turn my hobby into a business because I had became really good in my craft and the rest is history! I think what’s sets my apart from others is me! My talents are my own and you should never compare your skills with someone else. Everyone’s going to do things differently and that’s what make art so beautiful! I’m most proud of not giving up. If any business owner knows, you have your good days and bad days but never give up and push through. If anything, I would want my clients, future clients to know is that I truly value them all, every face that I do it gives me much joy and to trust in me to get the job done is an honor!

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

Advertise your brand as much as you can! Everything is content even the simplest! Ask your family and friends to share your business page, your work and posts. Leave business cards at different locations that will allow you to. Hashtags are actually beneficial believe it or not and don’t overthink it, just do it! Doesn’t have to be perfect but presentable. Consistency is always going to play a major role. The more you share what it is you do, the more people will notice. Emails and Yelp are also great way to get yourself out there and to keep your clients updated! Discounts and deals are also a sure way to grow and to get more clientele but only to get yourself started.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Comparing! I used to be so hard on myself because my work didn’t look like other MUAs and I would practice and practice until I realized that my style is my style and every artist is different, we all have our own style and way of doing things, doesn’t make your artistry any different! Also, doubting myself and my work. Because I felt I wasn’t nearly as good as some other artists that I knew, I questioned myself and my skills until I really just sat back and noticed that people really love my work! I started getting returning clients, client’s recommending other potential clients and more. I learned that it’s not about trying to be like everyone else but to simply be you. That’s what going up make what you do, your work, special!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.wbbylaura.com
• Instagram: withinbeauty_bylaura
• Facebook: Within Beauty by Laura