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

Sophia , appreciate you joining us today. Some of the most interesting parts of our journey emerge from areas where we believe something that most people in our industry do not – do you have something like that?

In the makeup industry, there is a prevalent misconception that individuals like James Charles and TikTok sensation Mikayla Nogueira represent the epitome of makeup artistry. However, this assertion couldn’t be further from reality.

Referring to individuals who excel solely in creating makeup looks on themselves as “MUAs” (makeup artists) is, in essence, a disservice to the skilled professionals within our community. Applying makeup on oneself does not equate to the level of expertise required to effectively apply cosmetics on others. Mastering the art of makeup application on different individuals demands an extensive amount of practice and a deep understanding of various factors such as color matching, diverse eye shapes, and facial contours.

Unfortunately, the widespread recognition afforded to these influential personalities often overshadows the hard work and dedication of working makeup artists who labor diligently behind the scenes, often without the same level of visibility or acknowledgment. Despite our considerable expertise, many of us struggle to garner significant online traction for our work and face challenges in attracting clientele.

It is imperative to recognize that influencers like James Charles and Mikayla Nogueira represent only a fraction of the makeup industry. For those seeking genuine insight into the makeup process and access to top-tier products, I encourage you to seek out and support the efforts of true working makeup artists. These professionals possess a wealth of knowledge and practical experience that can offer invaluable guidance and expertise beyond what is typically showcased on social media platforms.

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 name is Sophia Stone, and my passion for makeup has been a constant source of joy in my life since childhood. Even as a young girl, I would eagerly wake up early before elementary school just to experiment with my Covergirl silver eyeshadow. The transformative power of makeup has always fascinated me, providing a creative outlet and a sense of empowerment.

Upon reaching my senior year in high school, I seized the opportunity to pursue my passion by enrolling in cosmetology school. This endeavor was not only a blessing but also a result of relentless dedication and hard work throughout my academic journey. Upon graduation, I proudly attained both my high school diploma and my cosmetology license, marking the beginning of my professional journey in the beauty industry.

In 2023, I established my own business, “The Painted Profile,” specializing in hair and makeup services for weddings, special events, and seasonal celebrations such as Halloween. My commitment to excellence and artistic flair have garnered recognition, leading me to be appointed as the senior makeup artist for Kansas City Fashion Week. Additionally, I am honored to serve as a makeup artist for Kansas City’s “Worlds of Fun Halloween Haunt,” contributing to the immersive experience of this renowned event.

With each opportunity, I strive to not only enhance the beauty of my clients but also to ignite their confidence and inner radiance through the transformative artistry of makeup.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

In my professional opinion, leveraging social media platforms represents the most effective strategy for expanding one’s clientele base. In today’s digital landscape, social media has become an indispensable tool for individuals seeking products and services. Remarkably, approximately 95% of my clientele originates from various social media channels, with the remaining 5% attributed to referrals through word of mouth.

While TikTok boasts an impressive ability to facilitate rapid virality, I have personally found it to be less effective in generating significant traction for my business. Instead, I have achieved considerable success through platforms such as Instagram and Facebook, which serve as primary conduits for connecting with potential clients and showcasing my portfolio of work.

These platforms offer an array of features and functionalities that enable me to engage with my audience, share informative content, and highlight my expertise in the field of makeup artistry. By maintaining a strong presence on social media and consistently delivering compelling and relevant content, I have been able to effectively cultivate a loyal following and attract new clientele.

Overall, social media remains an indispensable asset in modern business development, offering unparalleled opportunities for visibility, engagement, and client acquisition. By harnessing the power of these platforms strategically, makeup artists can position themselves for sustained growth and success in today’s competitive landscape.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Embarking on my journey as a business owner, I encountered a significant paradigm shift in my approach to expenditure. Initially, I harbored reservations about investing capital into my venture, operating under the misconception that profitability could only be achieved through stringent cost-saving measures. However, I swiftly realized that the adage “you have to spend money to make money” holds true in the realm of entrepreneurship.

Recognizing the pivotal role that essential investments play in facilitating growth and operational efficacy, I confronted the necessity of allocating resources towards critical assets and infrastructure. One such instance arose with the procurement of my makeup kit—a pivotal component of my professional toolkit. Despite initial apprehensions regarding the financial outlay, I acknowledged that without access to the requisite equipment and resources, I would inevitably encounter significant impediments in executing my craft effectively and delivering exceptional results to my clientele.

Thus, I adopted a strategic approach towards expenditure, viewing it not merely as an expense, but rather as a strategic investment in the long-term sustainability and success of my business. By embracing a mindset of calculated risk-taking and judicious resource allocation, I laid the foundation for achieving tangible milestones and realizing my entrepreneurial aspirations. In hindsight, I recognize that my willingness to invest in essential resources, such as my makeup kit, constituted a pivotal catalyst for the accomplishments and achievements that followed.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thepaintedprofile.wixsite.com/the-painted-profile
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepaintedprofile?igsh=MWpzaGxpNG12djJqeQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@thepaintedprofile?si=pvHm4StdWeSBJMCa