What Made Me Start a Makeup Brand after Becoming a Makeup Artist
My Career Change at 30
I've never been very good at talking on camera or talking about myself. I get super anxious, worried about how I sound, how I'm coming across- what people will think about me. It's time for me to open up- start talking, let you get to know me, and break the barrier.Welcome to my journey.
I've spent the last year growing First Class Beauty Co from the ground up. I had no business background, e-commerce, marketing, SEO, or web development knowledge.
All I knew was I was obsessed with makeup.
As a makeup artist, I loved seeing my client's face light up after the final makeup transformation. It amazes me how the tiniest change can have a tremendous impact on not only a person's outer appearance but an even more substantial impact on how they feel on the inside. The confidence boost is unreal.
What came in as a shy, timid, introverted person left my makeup chair wanting to be seen and heard. How they felt on the inside shined through, and they now let the world see their inner beauty.
Where I Was
As much as I had fun with medical aesthetics, for me, there were downfalls. For the majority of treatments, there was no immediate impact. Yes, you could leave with a glowing microdermabrasion session; I loved those. If you had acne scarring, you could have fantastic results after multiple sessions of IPL. When I say multiple, I mean six sessions before you start to notice a difference (depending on the severity of the case). You leave a little red and swollen, and most clients get discouraged after not seeing an immediate impact. I disliked that.
I compare it to cooking. Does anyone else love cooking, but for other people? You want to see their faces light up with satisfaction. You cooked a good meal, and they enjoyed it. I don't want to cook a meal and wait a year for someone to tell me if it was good.
I didn't end up doing anything after school. I tried a few different jobs, and eventually, it clicked- I know how to do makeup. A brief makeup course was a prerequisite to move on to Medical Aesthetics. I loved that. It had that immediate impact.
Where I Was Going
Off to a Makeup Artistry and Design College, I went.
I had the best time at school. Finally, I knew I was in the right place. I could not wait to leave and start my career. Then, you guessed it- covid lockdown. Well, I didn't see that coming.
Watch my YouTube Video below to see me
- Anxiously get over my fear of speaking on camera
- Introduce myself
- Talk about what I, as a new Makeup Artist, did during the lockdown.
As you can see, I am working on my YouTube Channel to make it more personable and learn how to reach more people. You'll now start to get to know me, the triumphs and the struggles because, let's be honest- things don't always go as smoothly as we like.
The Change
Finally, I graduated. I got my diploma and was ready to get on a film set, make brides feel their best on their wedding day, and glam up every single person I encountered.
Boom. Lockdown. One month, two months, three months. Where are all these faces and people that I wanted to do makeup for? Being a makeup artist wasn't exactly a job I expected to have from the imprisonment of my condo.
I had to sit back and focus on what I loved. I loved helping people. I loved being that part of someone's life that empowered them and made them feel as confident, comfortable, and beautiful as possible. So I asked myself, "How can I apply my skills and help people from outside of my condo?"
It took me years of schooling to learn makeup, it's not easy, and it wasn't getting any easier for anyone with new trends coming out weekly. I had to think big- not everyone needs lessons, but everyone could use makeup products that are easy to apply. Effortless, durable, trustworthy, and most importantly, cruelty-free.
Now not only could I help someone in my makeup chair, but I can help people internationally.
I'd sell internationally, write a blog, film easy, step-by-step tutorials, and hope that I can bring enjoyment, creativity, and less stress to everyone's life.
I had no previous business background, but the good thing about lockdown is that I had all the time in the world to learn something new. First Class Beauty Co launched over a year ago, and I am still learning. It's a process, to say the least; let's say, trial and error and A TON of work.
However, I can honestly say I wouldn't change the process and this career change for the world.
I want everyone to experience that boost of confidence you get leaving a salon every time you leave your house.
I hope that my continual efforts are helping. My makeup collection is available 24/7 online, and my Chat Support staff, or I am always here for help or advice along the way.
Thank you for everyone's help on this First Class journey. I appreciate more than you know those that have given words of encouragement, supported me, and most importantly, believed in me.
This is only the beginning for First Class Beauty Co. Mark my words.
Love always,
Mindy Louu XOXO
if you have any questions please feel free to comment below and i will get back to you as soon as possible.
for a chance to be featured on our instagram, show us how you express yourself through makeup or tell us something makeup has done for you. follow and tag @firstclassbeautyco #fcbeautyco
Leave a comment