We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tina Ellis. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tina below.

Tina, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?

I’d have to say mine is pretty simple or so I thought. Lilysax, favorite flower and favorite instrument. I still get called Lily all the time. I’m so used to it that I actually answer back and then correct them. 16 years later and I still love the versatility it gives me.

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.

I’m a hardworking, out of the box kind of person. I knew very early on that I don’t fit well with the 9/5 job. I’ve worked in many fields but I always come back to the beauty industry. I have been doing event hair styling and makeup since 2003. I have been sewing and creating designs since middle school. Both those fields mixed together and created the life I have now. I now work all types of events but doing hair, makeup, custom clothing, alterations, styling and even talent management. I am skilled in anti aging skincare and specialty esthetics which helps my clients feel confident at their photo shoots or big day. I have the most amazing clients and connections that have afforded me the best referrals that I have not needed to advertise. I now have great connections that I now manage a few clients for modeling, singing, dancing and acting jobs. This life is amazing.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I stay open and honest. I’m never afraid to say no. I stay very transparent with my clients.

Can you talk to us about manufacturing? How’d you figure it all out? We’d love to hear the story.

My business is such a wide range of services that I’m a true mix of ordered items, vendors, outsourced help and from scratch manufacturing. Mostly my clothing items are made by myself. Of course my beauty services I buy the products. Sometimes it’s easier to get things manufactured and then alter or add to them. Time is money, bottom line.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lilysax.com
• Instagram: @lilysax
• Facebook: @lilysax