Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in beauty and cosmetics but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with LiSun Goh, owner of LiSun Goh Beauty, located in Seattle, WA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is LiSun Goh Beauty. I'm a makeup artist, YUMI Lash lift technician and educator. My makeup clients are brides for their wedding day or engagement shoot, business women for their personal branding headshots, or anyone needing makeup services for their special event. I help you with your makeup to make you look like the best version of yourselves for your event. I skillfully and technically apply makeup that makes people feel like them (no thick, caked-on feeling) to bring out their inner glow.
My YUMI Lash lift clients are men/women who have long straight lashes that won't hold a curl, people who want to save time in the morning getting ready, or anyone going on a beach holiday and not worry about using makeup but still want to look and feel "awake."
I also teach beginner makeup lessons to women who need help in their makeup routine. A lot of mums who want to learn how to properly apply makeup other than using their tinted moisturizer, mascara, and lip balm.
Tell us about yourself
From Vancouver, Canada, to Seattle. Once upon a time, I was a competitive dancer asking my mum to do my stage makeup almost every week. At the age of 6 years old, my mum sat me down and taught me how to do my own stage makeup, and that's where the love of beauty all began. I would save my pocket money and buy beauty magazines and makeup. I was the first in my group of friends to wear makeup.
I didn't want to be a makeup artist for the longest time, but my mum pushed me because she knew it was my calling. Both my mum and birth mum were makeup artists, so it's safe to say that it was in my blood!
Eventually, I went to Blanche Macdonald Center, Canada's top makeup school. After graduating, I started my makeup journey in the TV/Film industry while building my own business. Then... I met a boy, fell in love, got married, and moved to Seattle, WA, where I now live and work helping brides-to-be and other women feel their best.
What motivates me is when I give someone the mirror to see themselves after their makeup, lash appointment, or makeup lesson and see their faces light up. Most have never seen themselves look like that before, and I've had a few women cry because they're so happy. Beauty isn't vanity; it's an emotional connection to how we feel. You can immediately see confidence after the service or makeup lesson. With lessons, I love hearing from them and seeing the photos they send me weeks after, and watching them get better with their makeup skills.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is being a business owner! I want to give the best service to all my clients, from when they email me to when they leave my chair. I've worked hard to build a business, make meaningful connections with other vendors, referrals from past clients, and provide an experience with me getting their makeup done.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
It has been tough to learn that I'm not for everyone, and that's totally okay, as well as I get to recognize all that I've accomplished. Sometimes, you have to take a step back and see what you've done and pat yourself on the back.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Really niche down to find your ideal client and skill.
- Network as much as you can to make meaningful connections.
- Learn all things business... How to market/promote yourself, Know your numbers, Learn how to utilize social media, make a website, learn SEO, and read all the business books.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Always keep learning and honing in on your skills. Business is 80% of actually doing makeup, and your service is 20%.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.lisungoh.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LiSunGohBeauty/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisungohbeauty/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LiSunGohBeauty
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisun-goh-beauty/
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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