Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in beauty and cosmetics but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Carol Stover, owner of Beauty from the Heart, located in Baltimore, MD, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I am a professional makeup artist for video, TV, film, photography, and events like weddings and bat mitzvahs. My signature style is called "clean beauty" because I love to create a natural and believable look for anyone that still makes them look absolutely gorgeous. I work with women, men, children, business people, actors, newscasters, and performers of all ages, all skin tones, and all ethnic groups. Teaching my special techniques is also exciting for me, and I enjoy showing others how to create a look showcasing their own unique beauty.

Tell us about yourself

When I began my career, I was working in advertising and marketing for several ad agencies. I had studied this in school and was thrilled to get a job doing it, but it was nowhere near as satisfying as I had imagined. It felt forced and false and came with so much stress that I was sorry I started it. I eventually left agency work and began freelancing til I could decide what to do with my life.

Then I met a nice still photographer who came down to my office one day asking if I was busy. I wasn't, and he said, "Would you help me? My makeup artist called in sick, and I have three portfolio shoots today." I was terrified but thrilled. I used the makeup kit in his studio and did makeup on all three girls for their photos, which turned out amazingly well. It was the best day of my life! The photographer loved my work and asked me to be his permanent makeup artist. Three years later we got married!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest business accomplishment is probably learning to do so many things I wasn't comfortable with and didn't initially know how to do. Pivoting from advertising to doing makeup for the camera was one thing... that came more easily. But learning to handle finances, taxes, bookkeeping, etc., was more challenging. I just took a deep breath and researched each new issue, and worked on learning how to do it. It gave me a lot of confidence, which I was actually able to transfer to everything else in my life and career.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

This can change throughout the course of your career. In the beginning, I think the hardest things for business owners can be finding your market and your niche place in it. That takes soul searching and a lot of faith in yourself. Later on, as you get more accomplished, I think keeping it all fresh and exciting can be the next challenge. I have a relentless personality with a serious OCD streak, which actually serves me well in my detailed line of work. It ensures that what I do photographs beautifully and looks "real."

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Seek a mentor older than you by at least a decade or two. They will be very happy to teach you so much and help you learn the ropes. They can also offer you priceless recommendations to help you as you start out.
  2. As a brilliant lady in a cosmetic company I worked with used to say -- "School is never out for the pro!" You have never "made it." Keep learning, researching, experimenting, challenging your ideas, and pushing yourself to grow and expand your capabilities. Your comfort zone can be a tricky enemy.
  3. Don't be afraid to hang out with others in your field who do the exact same thing. They are not your rivals; they are your peers and can be powerful allies and true resources for help and information. I have at least five awesome makeup artists friends who are wonderful people that do beautiful work. I love connecting with them and sharing new ideas and crazy client stories. No one does anything alone, and you will always need friendship and inspiration from those who truly understand your path.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

It took me a while to find my true calling, and it ended up not being what I planned to do. But I was able to use all that prior experience and knowledge in my new career, so anything you do is never a waste. Be open to a new direction and new experiences. Get into the flow of life as it opens things up for you. But have faith in yourself and what you want, and don't allow haters or "frenemies" to distract you.

We all have setbacks, and we all must learn in different ways. Just keep going and trust in your unique process. And always aim for the highest good you can achieve for everyone involved, not just yourself. It will give you a beautiful reputation as someone everyone wants to work with, just because it feels so good to work with you. Good luck!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.carolstover.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialcarolstover
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialcarolstover/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/carolstover
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolstover/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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