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

Stormi , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

Back in 2006 there was rumors about economy crashing, it really truly was already was, I had been with Saks fifth ave in Los Angeles as a traveling artist/cosmetic manager & worked for many high end Brands ( trained by Bobbi Brown) for 5 years.
Five years into my career as a artist
I had learned a lot & had built a nice size client book.
I knew that I was ready to spread my wings and fly.
Starting my own business
when all signs were pointing to big crashes and finical hardships was a huge risk. I realized that my industry is very much a luxury. I’m generally the last to be booked of all the events & when people are trying to save money they attempt to do it on their own.
Even still 2006 I started Stormibeauty. I can tell you been extremely lucky my books are always full & I don’t advertise. This was before social media. I relied on word of mouth, my clients were also repeat clients. My retention rate was almost 100 percent, even I met you for only 45 mins, I was lucky to have an impact that made them want to see me again.
Very professional ( dress, kit, product)
On time
Thoughtful.
These things set me aside from a lot of other creatives.
I have worked almost all weekends for 18 years. ( A small break when i moved to Az & because of Covid about 2 years) another huge risk is moving from out of state away from your clients & industry. You basically are starting from square one when you leave your area. I have been able to restart again july of 2021 & now in Az working full time again a year into it & have two assistants that also work with me.

I have been so blessed to work with some very fun industry people
Bravo, Nickelodeon, Disney, Grammy winners, Oscars, to name a few.

Stormi , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Feel in love with hair & makeup watching my grandma work in her salon as a child. There was something so powerful about the transformation I watch women walk in shoulder slumped & not excited. To leaving with new look shoulders back & big smiles. I was hooked. I believe in using high quality product & product that is good for sensitive skin. I myself have sensitive skin so if I have issue i won’t use it on my clients. I’m fast. Ask around lol. I can carry a conversation and do a full face of make up & lashes in 15-20 mins. When you work on tv or runway you have to be fast. No spare time. That has helped me reach many faces. i have done over 500 weddings. Timing is important & being on time.

Any advice for managing a team?

I think treating your team as equals & fully capable. Being their biggest cheerleader as they learn the ropes

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

I love having a close relationship with my clients & hate the money aspect. Having to charge. I’m unlearning to under charge & find peace with knowing my 20 years of experience, High quality product, & my time has a worth. Not everyone will be able to afford me and it’s ok.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.stormibeauty.com
• Instagram: @Stormiprobeauty
• Facebook: Stormi Yates

Image Credit:
Natalie Crammer Photography
TOREY Photo