1. In just a few sentences, could you describe your business? My name is Katy Messer and I'm an internationally travelled make-up artist with over 15 years experience who specialises in Bridal Make-up. 2. When did you set your business up? I officially went 100% freelance in Feb 2010 having worked as the International Make-up Artist and Trainer for a make-up artist brand for 7 years. 3. How did your business Start? I got into make-up straight after A-levels and started doing Bridal make-up as soon as I had enough in my kit. After years of freelancing on and off in between working alongside big artistry brands, I decided that the time had come to go it alone. I was turning down SO much work as I was commited to travelling and my heart has always been in Bridal Make-up. Plus, I got married myself in Oct 2009 and I had a husband at home who I'd much rather be with!
4. Why did you set up your business? I am passionate about what I do. I put my heart and soul into my work. I'm a self taught make-up artist who has worked alongside some of the greatest artists in the industry therefore my standards are high! In my years I've seen some appalling artistry and some very upset and distressed brides. On the same thread, there are some incredible artists out there who can make magic with make-up. I wanted to be up there with them, offering a service that is second to none. 5. How many employee's are there in your business and who are they? Officially it's just moi! My husband does a cracking job of the heavy lifting of my kit (which weighs a ton!) but I don't pay him so he's not an official employee ;) 6. How did you decide on your business name? This was tricky. I'd spent 13 years building my reputation in the industry as Katy Messer but I knew that one day, I'd get married. So I decided on Make-up by Katy, hoping that I'd become so famous I'd not need a last name like Madonna! Now, I use my married name Angelidi for everything else and Messer for work. 7. What's the best thing about your business? The end result is always an amazing feeling. But the relationship that is built up with people in the process is second to none. Make-up is a really intimate process and someone who starts out as a stranger at the beginning is often a friend by the end. I've lost count of how many people tell me that they have had a bad make-up experience or couldn't bear the thought of having their make-up done and then having seen what can be achieved, do a complete turn and love how they look. It all harks back to the bad reputation that make-up artists have for just slapping it on. Not all of us do that. There is so much more to it than that! 8. What do you find most challenging about your business? The problem with the Make-up Industry is it is so varied. There are people out there who charge hardly anything for their services and unfortunately, the end results can reflect that. Not all the time but the majority of the time you do get what you pay for. I know that I have placed myself somewhere in the middle. I don't charge a fortune but I'm not one of the cheap ones and I feel that's deserved as I'm experienced and good at what I do. It is sometimes seen as a 'hobby' industry and I've had to explain to people that this isn't something I do on the side whilst having a 'proper job' in the week. It is a skilled service that we provide and we charge accordingly for our time. And also, for the massive amount of expensive product we use. Make-up isn't cheap to buy! Another challenge is the double bookings! Sometimes I can get 4/5 enquiries for the same day and although I know this is expected, it's so frustrating! If I could clone myself I would.
9. What have been some of the greatest rewards from your business? The looks on their faces when they see themselves in the mirror after seeing themselves. It's the most amazing feeling. I had a bride who'd lost both parents and had an awful time of it in the run up to her big day. She was riddled with self doubt but we became so close that I stayed to help her into her dress and she was so beautiful and happy with how she looked, I cried! She didn't, but I did! Getting respect from others in the industry also provides a boost. I've recently been asked to do the make-up for some very important people in the industry and I'm nervous but ecstatic to have been asked.
10. What's the best thing your business give to its customers? 100% high standards at all times. I give every person who sits in my chair a tailored, perfected look. I am not just there to make you look pretty. I have knowledge of photographic make-up, how to make it work in all the different lightings. I have worked with brands on product development so I can give the right product advice. I work to make your features more symetrical which in turn makes you more photogenic. My make-up is designed to make each person feel confident yet like them selves. I'm reliable, honest, efficient and I listen! 11. Do you have any top tips for choosing a Make Up Artist? Look at a make-up artists work, and I mean look really closely. If they only have full body shots on their website, ask to see a closer face shot. If they can't provide that, ask yourself why. Have a trial, it's worth paying out to see how he/she will work with your features. Be both honest and open minded. If you've always worn the same lipstick, don't let them talk you out of it, but listen if they suggest trying a variation on it that might be more flattering. Have images ready to show them. It's so much easier to show than to describe. Then, there won't be confusion and mis interpretations. Don't go for the cheapest because they're the cheapest. If it's their work that you love then fantastic, otherwise, keep searching. This is the person who is going to be responsible for how your face looks on the biggest day of your life! 12. What three pieces of advice would you give to anyone who wants to run their own business? 1) Plan ahead. If you're leaving a full time job to go freelance, you may want to cut down to part time first and have the peace of mind that is a regular salary for a while before going 100% on your own. It may not be necessary but then you won't be putting too much pressure on yourself to cover all your bills. This can push you to lose sight of what's important. 2) Be realistic- You probably won't take any money from it for at least the first year. There is so much money that is needed to invest in starting up! Save save save save save and then it will enable you to plough what you earn back in for advertising, printing, website set up etc. 3) Remember why you did it, enjoy it and don't let it get you down! There will be challenges and there will be incredible highs! It can be a rollercoaster of emotions and worries and then exhilleration. If you don't lose sight of why you did it, because you're passionate about what you do and GREAT at your job, it'll be worth it. 13. Where can I find out more about your business? My website is www.makeupbykaty.com and you can follow me on Twitter at www.twitter.com/makeupbykaty or good old fashioned telephone (+44) 07738 462444
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