We had the good fortune of connecting with Sylvia and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sylvia, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My first thoughts were a whole lot of questions and some doubts…

Can I do this? How can I do it? I don’t know anyone that’s ever done it. Where do I start? How do I start? This paid hobby isn’t even a “real” career-business. I didn’t want to start something and not go all the way through with it.

I don’t even know if my business will be taken seriously, since its “just makeup”. Plus, I had no experience on running a business, all I knew is that I was good at makeup it came to me naturally and people were paying me to do something I truly enjoyed.

Fifteen years ago, I didn’t t even know anyone personally that had their own business or knew anyone that was in the beauty industry. I didn’t have someone I could look to for guidance. My head was all over the place about starting my own business but… I silenced all my crazy, negative, fearful thoughts and said to myself…. I HAVE TO DO THIS. I think there was more negative than positive thoughts but the positive out weighted the negative for sure. At the time It felt scary to start something new, from scratch. Like, I knew I could do this; it was something good, good for me, good for my family, good for growth but I guess I was overthinking the commitment. But for the first time in a long I felt like I was doing something positive that I was passionate about. I still remember this day vividly, at the end of all that going back and forth with my thoughts I said OKAY, If I’m going to do this “I need a name” This baby, this business needs a name, it didn’t take me long to come up with a name, “Makeup Sole” which stands for “One of a Kind. Unique, Independent power” and from that moment I gave birth to my vision…. and it has only grown from there.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

I am a self-taught professional makeup artist with over 10 years of experience. For six of those years, I juggled a fulltime job, makeup on the weekends, family and of course whatever else life threw at me. Eventually I made the decision to quit my fulltime job to pursue makeup fulltime, that allowed me the freedom to return to school and further my education. I attended Aveda Institute to become an Esthetician, I had the desire to grow in knowledge in aesthetics. I also knew I wanted to make woman feel beautiful and confident not only with makeup on but also without any makeup. I wanted to better serve my clients and find a new way to maintain the ones I have by offering a new service.

My “Signature Natural Glam” is my most requested look, its simply enhancing one’s natural beauty. I glam for all occasions and any skin type but I specialize in Bridals. I love everything about my bridal parties, something about those special wedding days that keep me inspired and passionate about what I do.

No, it’s never been easy, that is why I stated that honestly I couldn’t have made it this far in my journey successfully without my faith, it is my foundation. As my business continues to grow and times change, I’m constantly having to make decisions, decisions that at times have shaped my life. But I always keep I mind why I started, my passion and my vision.

Like I mentioned before, ten -fifteen years ago we didn’t have all the resources that are available now. So, I had to work extra harder with the little that I had. So much has changed in the beauty world in what feels a short period of time. I started my business when there were no ring lights, no Instagram, no contour palettes, no booking apps, all the “must haves”. I began my business without any of those resources but somehow, I managed to keep and build my clientele. Over the past decade I have gained a greater understanding of how makeup and the skin function from education to personal experiences. I believe in continuing to create a professional and caring experiences for all of my clients. I believe in enhancing one’s natural beauty, to help with the exterior but also nourish the inner beauty, and now I am able to share my knowledge and expertise with others….

Not everyone will support you, not everyone will clap but that has nothing to do with you.

Remember you’ll never be ready enough, so work with what you have, until you have more.

Be patient, nothing long term or happens overnight. Yes, you’ll have to make many sacrifices and no don’t get discouraged when you don’t see anything happening. “You don’t get the harvest the same day you plant the seed.”

Every season is necessary for the next, that’s where growth, ideas, endurance, discipline and strength comes from.

Focus on what you’re doing, it’s okay to look at what someone else is doing but only to be inspired. Never to copy.

You’ll have to step out of your comfort zone and create opportunities for yourself.

Celebrate all your accomplishments big or small.

Speaking of accomplishment, I’ll share my most recent ones…

Earlier this year I was presented with a paid opportunity to go back to the school I graduated from “Aveda Institute” to teach a makeup class exclusively for the educators, for me it was kind of a big deal. I also recently got called back to guest speak for the graduating classes at Aveda. It was so awesome to go back to school but this time not as a student, but to be on the opposite end. Never did I imagine I would get to go back to be part of such great opportunities, definitely proud moments for me.

I’m humbled by all that I have accomplished and excited for all that is to come. I have other ideas that God has placed in my heart but cannot reveal yet, only time can do that.

Don’t let your gift go to waste!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
To be honest, I truly believe I couldn’t of made it this far successfully without my FAITH.

Aside from my faith, of course I have to recognize and express my gratitude to my loving, supportive family (my priority) and my beautiful friends. Thank you all for giving me room to grow and sticking by me, throughout these evolving seasons in my life. Also, my loyal clients they are my extended family and everyone that has supported my business one way or another throughout all these years. You guys are truly the best!

Behind this successful woman there’s faith, family, friends and fabulous clients.

Instagram: Makeup Sole

Facebook: Makeup Sole

Image Credits
Photographer: James Kendrick IG: James Kendrick Website: www.jameskendrickphotography.com

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