We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sharel Marie a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Sharel thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So, let’s imagine that you were advising someone who wanted to start something similar to you and they asked you what you would do differently in the startup-process knowing what you know now. How would you respond?
This is such a great question. If I started over today I would have done a lot more networking and surrounding myself with other like minded individuals. Being a Business owner is a lot of work and requires a lot of research. Now no one is going to go into owning a business and become successful overnight. However, surrounding yourself with others like minded individuals and learning from others helps a lot in where you want to take your business, and helps it become successful. Therefore I could have learned then that with the right resources I could have my business work for me instead of me working for my business.
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
My journey to becoming a business owner started just when I was about 3 years into being a makeup artist. I never knew I would love makeup as much as I did when I first began, so much so that God laid it on my heart to start my own line and in 2019 I began that process. Officially in June of 2021 I launched my first few products which are vegan and cruelty free excluding our Mink Lashes that come in 7 different styles. Along with that I also have 3 different highlighter shades and also a nude lip gloss line as well as a matte lipstick line, and we will be adding new products this year.
One thing I am extremely grateful for is that I never gave up on my line and I encourage others who desire to start their own business to Do It, it all starts with you, you just have to begin. And that is one thing that I want others to know about myself and my brand, and that’s to be known for encouraging people but also being personable and approachable. Having a connection with my audience and potential customers is very important to me because it shows integrity and class.
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
I actually funded 100% of my business. First, going into business I did not have the resources or any funding to help fund my business. That’s why I wish I knew the things that I know now, then, when I first began because there are ways to fund your business without breaking the bank or going broke.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
About a year before I launched my line I already had Lashes in stock and bits and pieces of a plan, I started to give up to the point where I told myself that I couldn’t do it. So I stopped the process and being that I was still taking makeup clients I started using my lashes on my clients. But the thought of being successful with my line and failing scared me; however I had a little bit of faith that kept me going and has pushed me to where I am today. Even when things didn’t work out or when they didn’t go my way. I told myself “You have to keep going”. and that just reminded me of how strong and resilient I really am.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sharelmariebeauty.com
- Instagram: Sharelmariebeauty_
- Facebook: Sharel Marie Beauty
- Youtube: Sharel Marie