Handling my Biz: Making it Legit

Being in business for oneself can both be a scary and exciting thing. But for me it's more about the freedom and independence that comes with the territory. I've never been too keen on following the lead of others so ultimately my destiny was to be an entrepreneur.

But a good entrepreneur knows his/her limitations and takes the initiative to locate the best resources to get things done the right way, which I'm trying to do at the moment. Going freelance is more than just make-up, there's a business component to it as well.

With the various tags of inc., llc, co. and etc. I don't know where to start and where I'm headed in the market. But thankfully I have a local small business development center to turn to. From my research it's a great place to learn how to start a business. Once a month they hold a three-hour seminar that speak on the seven basic requirements for a business start-up.

According to the site those include:
-Selecting an Idea
-Testing the Market
-Acquiring Capital
-Writing a Plan
-Turning for Help
-Understanding Legal Requirements
-Putting it All Together

Aside from the seminar, they have one-one-counselors available for personal help and other valuable resources. It's been quite helpful for people that I've talked to so I know that it'll be a valuable experience. So that'll definitely be an addition to my summer list of to-do's.

Even though my blog will heavily be based on my make-up trials and tribulations, I want to dedicate one weekly post to the business side of it all because I think that it's so important. So whatever I learn, I'll be sure to share.

So, enough of me blabbing, go ahead and enjoy your weekend. As for me my weekend is kick starting with doing make-up for a client tonight and a fancy girls night out tomorrow. Hopefully I'll be able to post the photos's for both my Clientele Highlight and Look of the Week next week. I still have other pics from other photoshoots that I need to post, so we'll see how that pans out.

XOXO & many blessings,
B. Pierre

P.S.The position that I'd mentioned earlier in the week is officially mine. I start Monday. Shoot, after three interviews, they had better hired me. lol

Kit Building 101: The Necessities

Well, yesterday really wasn't all too relaxing as planned, but don't worry it was a great day nonetheless. Instead of lounging around I attended a cookout with some friends, studied (darn my incessant needs to be ahead) and watched the basketball game last night. So, overall it was a great day despite the original plan. And some of the best things are unplanned.

Now, on to the make-up!

Since I'm striving to become a freelance makeup artist there are a "few" things that I'll need in order to get the job done right. After much research and a lot of reading, I tailored from the knowledge I gained to create what I want in my kit. Yes, the list is a dozy but I promise they're all necessary.

Ok, let's get started!

SKIN CARE & PREP

Facial Wash- To prep the skin and make sure that it's clean (need to find an economical option to carry in my kit to serve clients the best)

Moisturizer-Cetaphil (great for sensitive skin), MAC Strobe Cream (dewy skin looks) and Dermalogica Oil Control Lotion (great for mattifying oily skin)

Toner-TBD (need to fig. out which is best for all skin tones)

Moisturizing Body Lotion-TBD

Monistat Chafing Gel- great alternative to Smashbox primer (but need to look into other options as well)

FOUNDATION

RCMA Palette- for liquid foundation options ( But also considering options from Cinema Secrets, Graftobian & Yaby at camerareadycosmetics.com)

Powder Foundation Options (need to do more research on what's available or whether or not I should even have it)

CONCEALERS

MUFE- 5 Camouflage Cream Palette( light, dark and corrective options)

SETTING POWDER

Silica Powder- TKB Trading (cheaper than MUFE)

MAC- Mineral SkinFinish Naturals (about 4 to use on the range of possible skin tones)

BLUSH

Blush Palette- La Femme 12 Blush Palette (just to have a good starting point in terms of options)

Crème Blush Options- I just have a personal preference for them and might include them in the kit

COUNTOURING

Blushes- Blunt by MAC (darker skin-toned women), Strata by MAC ( lighter skin-toned women)

Countouring Palette- Coastal Scents

BRONZERS

Liquid Bronzers- to mix in with foundations or moisturizers to create a luminous look

Powder Bronzers- more research needs to be done

EYES

Eye Primer- Urban Decay Primer Potion and various other color bases by NYX

Eye shadows- various options for colors from diff. companies but considering on ordering the neutral palette from coastalscents.com for bridal work

Eyeliners- gel eyeliners, pencil eye liners

False Eyelashes- various options

Mascara-three to four formula options (most likely drugstore brands)

Brow Fillers- most likely will use brown eye shadows to get the job done.

LIPS

Vaseline-great primer for lips

Lipsticks- I've heard great things about NYX lipsticks and possibly looking into lip palettes as well

Ligloss-OCC Clear Lip Tar, and other basic colors

Lip Pencils- Urban Decay Lip Pencil in Ozone (great alternative to carrying a lot of various colors because its clear) but looking into possibly NYX lip pencils as I progress

BRUSHES & TOOLS

Brush Belt- E.L.F (just as good as the one by M.A.C.)

Duo Fiber Brush- For applying foundation (I"m not to fond of traditional foundation brushes)

Powder Blush-various shapes and sizes

Blush/Contour Brushes- tapered, angled and rounded brush options

Buffer Brush- great to buff out overly intense colors

Eye shadow Brushes- lid application, crease brush, highlight (but of course I'll have various styles for ea.)

Angled Liner Brush

Straight Liner Brush

Dense Angled Liner Brush- for eyebrow color application

Disposable lipstick brushes

Disposable doe-foot lip wands

Disposable mascara wands

Brow brush and comb duo

Disposable cosmetic sponges

Concealer brush

Tweezers

Duo Surgical Adhesive for lashes

Disposable Spatulas

Mini-scissors

Pencil Sharpener

Eyelash Curler-She Uemera (expensive but nonetheless is an investment)

OTHER NECESSITIES

Cotton pads

Empty spray bottles

Isopropyl alcohol

Make-up Wipes

Eye Make-up remover

Cotton Swabs

Visine-regular

Visine for Contacts

Kleenex

Hand Sanitizer

Mini-pack of Wet Ones

A Nail Kit

Nail File

Polish Remover

Cuticle Sticks

Hand Cream

Small Hand Towel

Sunscreen

Mini-Fan

Business Cards

Mints

Hair clips-to move the hair out of the way

Robe for clientele to wear over clothing

Empty Palettes for Eyeshadows- Coastal Scents

Last but not Least…

A Train Case- I've been scoping out by the recommendation of Ren of MakeupbyRenRen who mentioned that Yazmo was a great place for traincases.

If I shop wisely I should have a "complete" kit in no time.

Ok, I'm through. Creating this list, although time consuming, was necessary because I can keep better track of what I need and it'll help me to be more conscious when shopping.

I've got my second interview to get ready for later and I'll be testing out a Dupe for M.A.C.'s luster drops along with a new duo fiber brush that I bought. I'll be sure to share my experience with the new purchases later on in the week.

Have a great Tuesday all!

XOXO & many blessings,

B. Pierre

P.S. Here are a list of the sites that I used to compile my personal list. These were great resources.

Makeup By RenRen

What The Pro's Do

Petrilude

In My Kit

Chairs Galore!

Simply said,I need a new make-up chair. What I've been using so far doesn't cut it. My little rinka-dink chair has my back hurting whenever I'm doing make-up with all the bending and awkward angles I find myself configuring to in order to apply my clients make-up. And it's not so comfortable for my clients which is not cool. As its intended purpose as a desk chair its fine. And its use stops there. So now I'm deciding on investing on a make-up chair. I'm trying to find something portable and easy to travel with. Also, as unimportant it maybe, I want something cute.

Ikea- Bar Stool $19.99
Wal-Mart- Set of 2 Bar Stools $70.00
Amazon.com-Set of 2 Bar Stools $142.49

Initially I wanted just to pick up something like the options above for all use whether I'm doing make-up at home or on-location. I'm gravitating to the IKEA option, initially because of price. I can purchase two and still come out cheaper than buying the other sets. Also the higher back that it provides for the comfort of the client gives it a thumbs up in my book.

But below are examples that I'm also looking to purchase later as a permanent in-home option. Financially, I'll make do with collapsible bar stool and then upgrade to purchasing one of the air lift stools.

Bed Bath & Beyond- Air Lift Stool $99.99

Wal-Mart- Air Lift Stool $79.99

Most likely the purchase for the initial bar stool will be made by the end of the month.

Look out for my next post I'll fill you in my woes and joys of graduation weekend. Business really has been picking up and I'm creating a buzz in my circle. So I'm highly optimistic that this summer for KissyFace Artistry will be on the up and up. I even plan to head to over to my local Small Business Development Center Office to make things a bit more official, get some information on being an entrepreneur and to be on the up and up on what my options are. I'll keep you posted on that too.