Vickie is 24 years old and a freelance artist that is launching a cosmetics brand called 11: Eleven Cosmetics. She will start by launching a makeup palette in late summer. Vickie fell in love with creamy easy blendable consistencies for eyeshadows that came to life when creating this palette. This palette will work for the beginner starting to introduce makeup into their everyday routine, for the artist that can use this palette on set, for bridal makeup, and casual everyday glam, etc. After the initial launch of her palette, the brand will be a full range cosmetic line.
What is your entrepreneur’s story? How did you come about building your business?
I started playing with makeup when I was in high school. Something about always going to the mall and seeing all these bright colors to play with… I was always so curious. I started really taking my hobby into more of a career when I started watching YouTube beauty tutorials. I would sit in front of my computer on my vanity playing with makeup for hours, trying to perfect my Smokey cat eye with 3 brushes basically. I started working in cosmetics after I dropped out of college and that’s when my artistry was amplified. Suddenly I had a different path that just felt SO right. It may have been the harder path but I can’t tell you how blissful and crazy it feels when you know this is what you’re meant to be doing. Working in cosmetics I was constantly learning… new techniques, blending methods, color knowledge, etc. I moved on to working for other cosmetic companies as management. Learning textures, consistencies, techniques for those specific brands, makeup for occasions, and special effects makeup. The best part of all of this would be the look on the clients face when you’re done. You see, there’s something about makeup that makes people feel so much more confident, while people are definitely confident before, they see themselves with makeup and it accentuates so many details to their beauty. People are why this industry is so rewarding and why it works. That smile on my client’s faces is why I do this.
So years down the road and fast forward to now, I kind of focused on my Instagram for a bit and lost that “this is what I’m meant to be doing” kind of feeling. I kind of felt like I was uninspired for a while, I had talked about starting my own company for so long, and eventually, other things got in the way. Recently though, that feeling came back and stronger than ever. I know this brand is what I’m supposed to be doing. Makeup and making people look and feel beautiful runs through my veins. I know this is it and it’s my time to share everything I have learned with people who just love makeup. So be prepared. For creamy rich consistencies. Blendable and beautiful tones for every skin tone.
What is your business model — how were you able to grow so fast?
It took a couple of years for me to grow my page @queeenveee. I kept at it, being very consistent and creative. I believe that when you love what you do and have a passion for it, success comes. Through my years in freelance work in the cosmetic industry, I chose to start my own brand that will launch later this summer.
Can you give me an overview of who you are, what is your educational or overall background? What are some of your achievements?
I am an artist, a makeup consumer, and an entrepreneur. I know what an artist looks for in makeup with selection wi\\th working in the industry. As a makeup consumer, I know the standard and expectation I hold for cosmetics I purchase. And as an entrepreneur, I am constantly thinking of what to create and sell that caters to my clientele.
What have you learned through your experiences as an entrepreneur that can be used by aspiring business individuals?
As a freelance artist, I have learned how to build relationships with clients. My clients are what make my job so effortless and I’m blessed to be doing what I love to do. I believe what sets me apart is my humbleness and wanting every single one of my clients to exude happiness from beginning to end of an application. I want to build a relationship with my clients because I believe makeup is so personal and I want to get to know you better. I’ll have the same values when my brand launches as well.
What have you learned through your journey as an entrepreneur?
Never to compare yourself to other brands or other artists because no two are close to being alike. Every brand has its own niche and every person is their own masterpiece. I run my life and business with the mindset that “comparison is the thief of joy.”
I’ve learned how when you take a chance on yourself and with hard work that anything is possible. It may be difficult at first, and not everyone will agree with you! But taking a chance on yourself is priceless and being an entrepreneur is all about taking chances.
What skills and attributes make you as successful as you are?
I believe my creativity and ambition have helped pave my path for being successful. Additionally, I believe having an open mind to constantly learning and wanting to master my craft have helped evolve me and my success in the cosmetics industry.
Why is online business, marketing, etc important?
Online presence is so heavily apparent presently because of convenience and people having busy lives.
I believe that marketing is so important especially online because when people search your business it will most likely be online through a search engine. You can customize your marketing strategy to cater to every audience in specific areas of all over etc. you get to choose.
Online businesses are so important and have impacted so much especially now. The internet is a part of our daily lives and having the accessibility at your fingertips to ordering products you like is why e-commerce is so important. People get so busy at work and in their daily lives that online shops bring so much convenience to them.
