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

Tanesha, appreciate you joining us today. The first dollar your business earns is always special and we’d love to hear how your brand made its first dollar of revenue.

At the time, I was working as a beauty consultant when I landed my very first makeup client. I vividly remember reaching out to her, asking if I could borrow her face to practice my makeup skills. Months later, I was thrilled to learn that she was getting married and reached out to me, asking if I could do her makeup for her big day.
I worked on her makeup, we chatted and laughed, and I could feel my nerves dissipating. I poured my heart into every brush stroke, transforming her into a radiant version of herself. When I finished, she looked in the mirror, gasped, and a smile spread across her face.

“I love it! This is exactly what I was hoping for!” she exclaimed. “How much do I owe you?”

For a moment, my heart raced. This was the moment I had been waiting for – my first official client. I swallowed my nerves and quoted a price that felt fair but still made me feel like I was valuing my work. To my delight, she didn’t hesitate and handed me cash, her face beaming with joy.

As she walked away, I felt a rush of exhilaration. I had not only created a beautiful look, but I had also made my first dollar as a makeup artist. That moment was more than just a transaction; it was validation of my passion and hard work. I could hardly believe how exhilarating it felt to earn money doing something I loved.

That day, I learned that every brush stroke was not just about makeup; it was about empowering others to feel beautiful and confident. And as I packed up my booth at the end of the day, I knew this was just the beginning of my journey

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?

Absolutely! I’m thrilled to share my journey as a makeup artist and what makes my brand unique.

My passion for makeup began when I relocated from Chicago to Missouri

My passion for makeup blossomed shortly after I moved from Chicago to Missouri. I had never been particularly interested in makeup until I observed my mother-in-law, who always took great care in her appearance. I later discovered that she was a beauty consultant. She invited me to one of her makeover parties, and witnessing her enthusiasm for helping women look and feel beautiful was truly inspiring. The joy and confidence radiating from the women as they admired their transformed looks sparked something in me, igniting my desire to be a part of that empowering experience.

I was always fascinated by the transformative power of beauty products and how they could enhance a person’s features and boost their confidence. This fascination led me to become a beauty consultant, where I honed my skills and learned the ins and outs of the industry. I spent countless hours experimenting with different techniques, colors, and styles, eager to master my craft.

As I developed my skills, I realized that my true calling was to work directly with clients, helping them look and feel their best for special occasions. I decided to take the leap into becoming a professional makeup artist. I offer a range of services, including bridal makeup, special event makeup, and makeup lessons. Each service is tailored to meet the unique needs and preferences of my clients, ensuring they feel comfortable and beautiful.

One of the main problems I solve for my clients is the often-overwhelming process of choosing the right makeup for their individual style and skin type. I take the time to understand their vision, offering personalized consultations that empower them to express their creativity while enhancing their natural beauty. Whether it’s a bride preparing for her big day or someone attending a gala, I aim to create a look that not only fulfills their expectations but also exceeds them.

What sets me apart from others in the industry is my commitment to creating a welcoming and collaborative environment. I believe that makeup should be a fun and liberating experience, and I strive to build a connection with each client. My approach is all about listening and understanding their desires, ensuring that the final look reflects their personality and style.

I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built with my clients over the years. Seeing their joy and confidence after a makeover is incredibly rewarding. It’s not just about the makeup; it’s about the experience and the emotions that come with it. I take pride in knowing that I play a small role in making their moments special.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that my brand is built on authenticity, creativity, and empowerment. I am dedicated to helping each person feel their most beautiful selves, regardless of the occasion. I’m continually learning and evolving in my craft, always seeking the latest techniques and trends to bring fresh and innovative ideas to my work.

Thank you for taking the time to get to know me and my brand. I can’t wait to create something beautiful together!

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

One of the most effective strategies for growing my clientele has been building authentic relationships through word-of-mouth referrals and social media engagement. Offering to borrow faces free of charge.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

When I decided to start my makeup business, I didn’t have access to big investors or a huge savings account. What I did have was a strong belief in my vision—to create high-quality, affordable makeup products for people who, like me, were passionate about beauty but didn’t always see themselves represented in mainstream brands. I waited for my next check and launched with one product in mind, lipstick I nearly sold out with the first 2 weeks of launching I was able to reorder and expand to launching eyeshadows.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Legacyglamcosmetics
• Facebook: Legacyglamcosmetics