I can’t think of anyone better to start off this news series of inspiring Entrepreneurs with than my girl Lindsay. Why do I love Lindsay? Well, let me start counting the ways… she’s authentic, completely non-judgemental, she is focused, determined and really cares about making the people she works with feel their very best. Lindsay shows so much strength and confidence in her work. She’s incredibly talented and she’s a damn good friend. Obviously the girl’s beautiful, but there is so much more to this lovely lady. I just can’t wait for you to learn more about her.
So, just incase you haven’t already heard about the series I’m spearheading over here on my blog, it’s called ‘Real Entrepreneurs.” I’ll be featuring different entrepreneurs at least once a month. My hope in this endeavour is to serve others by encouraging perseverance, community and positive impact. I believe every story matters and can have a profound influence on others in their quest for value in starting or running a business.
My belief is that successful entrepreneurship is not a result of a passive presence, it’s accomplished by working hard and dedicating efforts to the align with the values that breathe your truth and your passion. My desire is to promote authenticity, education through experiences, and to up-level confidence so that people with big dreams can take the steps to bring their dreams to life.
If you’re reading this, I’d love for you to show some love to Lindsay for putting herself out there like this and sharing her heart with all of us. It’s not easy to be vulnerable, but she had zero expectation when I asked her to be a part of this project. Show this girl some love if you can! Befriend her on facebook by clicking here, follow her on instagram byclicking here, or follow Pretty Me Makeup on Instagram (click here), or facebook (click here). You can visit the Pretty Me Makeup Website at this link.
I hope by reading Lindsay’s words you’ll get insight into the real journey that’s out there, and be encouraged to chase your wildest dreams.
So let’s begin…
1. Tell me a little bit about yourself
Hi I’m Lindsay! I am a highly motivated, self-driven business thriving makeup artist. I say all of these things first before mentioning makeup because I believe to be successful at anything you must have the driving desire to #werk. If these are in question you can’t put your passion to the test.
2. What inspired you to become an entrepreneur?
Since the age of 12 I was ready and willing to work. But, because I wasn’t old enough for a real workplace job I spent my first days working for a neighbour who paid me to help her with all of her party planning dates including household duties, to cleaning her artificial plants, to keeping them looking fresh! I did it all. I then went on to work in the restaurant business, then for an entrepreneur himself who took me under his wing and from there I was inspired to organize a way in which things could be done ‘my way’ for myself. Shortly after, and through years in makeup retail and meeting clients in store, the wedding requests for a mobile makeup artist took off while I was in the GTA. Word of mouth and successful job after successful job, had me doing what I loved full time. Though, it took a while and some breaks through a move West of the city I know I always aimed to follow this entrepreneurial route.
3. What motivates you in your business? / Do you have a ‘Why’ behind your business?
I think work should be fun and it should be something that keeps you focused and interested. It’s the constant curiosity of “what if I did this…?” that has brought me to where I am today. Business in a small town wasn’t what it was in the city as expected, and to get the demand I was after meant I needed to work for it. So that’s exactly what I did. I reached out to the industry. You wouldn’t believe the correspondence if I told you; but put it this way…I got through 6 books that summer and I was making connections that intertwined, and it brought me right to the people I was manifesting to be around.
4. What would you say is the best part about owning your own business?
Since, reconnecting with the industry and since partnering with Shauna; owner of Pretty Me Makeup, it’s been wonderful to meet and create business with someone who wants and shares the same passions. In today’s world it’s not always easy, but we are able to work with one another well. There must be value and respect in sharing the same passion and end goal itself or, let’s face it, you’ll be broke lol!
5. What is the hardest part about being an entrepreneur?
The hardest part…saying no to work…it never fails! When is too much …too much?! Is a weekend off here and there acceptable. Should making money and business supersede family time, birthdays, road trips or simply just spending time for self care. This is always something a business driven person will have a hard time with.
6. If there is any such thing, can you describe what a typical day looks like in your life?
Netflix and Chill bitches!… Just kidding lol! When we aren’t up and at ’em for a wedding, a show, or an event we’re following up with potential business and networking to connect and stay in the game! Staying on top on trending topics, products and demands. Testing products, and constructively criticizing our own work to offer the best we can give. Keeping ourselves super organized, and communicating back and forth with clients and each other to be certain dates times and deadlines are met are crucial especially for your reputation.
7. What do you do on your day off?
I usually spend it clearing my head, whether it’s spending time with some self care regimen or kicking it back taking it easy with friends…until “you’ve got mail” …is there really a day that goes by that we aren’t working in some way?
8. What do you see in the future for you and your business?
Business is what you make it. It can be as big as you want or you can stay idle. I’m learning that your successes will resemble how much you put into it. I feel in control of where the makeup world can take us, and as said I truly believe that you must first be a business person in order to be successful at a passion for it to go anywhere. I see business opportunities opening in the future and not just in makeup but other branching fields.
9. Since you started your business, have you experienced any major challenges, or obstacles? Have you ever had a moment where you wanted to throw in the towel? if so, how did you, or are you persevering through that?
I guess the obstacles may be ideas or goals that I assume will fail. I believe that the key to success is consistency. Whether working with a partner or along side a team, open communication about the good the bad and the ugly is the only real way to check off all the thoughts that roll through. Also, making sure you’re able to listen as well as give feedback to avoid the conquer and divide effect if working in a team. Throwing in the towel would only result in a weakness, it’s the easy way out and unless you’re making billions of dollars I think it’s safe to say we can put our minds in the space they need to be to get through any, and all obstacles that life may throws at us.
10. Do you have any tips or advice for others considering pursuing?
Entrepreneurship is something your born to do. I remember after working one shitty job, thinking all I need is a 9 to 5 and I’ll be so happy!…then working the 9 to 5 thinking this sucks…you indefinitely know…this just isn’t for me. I needed to do things on my accord and work with like minded people. I don’t think entrepreneurship is pursued it is instilled or it is not.
11. Can you share a random fact about yourself?
Omg this is fun…okay ummm… I have always loved to write. Had a diary or kept notes upon notes and thrive on reading someone else’s profound writings. AND I frickin love Oprah!
12. Do you have any good advice for finding balance and separation between home and work?
Still a work in progress…but after working hectic seasons you eventually teach yourself it is crucial to find balance and that it only adds to your success to be able to find it.
13. Who inspires and influences you in your business and life?
People who are like minded. I love sharing ideas and experiences, whether they ended fantastic or totally shit! It’s all about never giving up and continuing to move on to the next! I look at people who are constantly thinking of what’s next! Otherwise, you’re in a hamster wheel. My friends are an amazing group of go-getter, self accomplished women. We influence one another in both work and life, it is so amazing to have that.
14. Is there anything that is non-negotiable for you? Perhaps a standard or a choice you live by.
Time. Respect. 2 things I live by.
15. If you have one, please share one of your favourite quotes.
“Nothing will work unless you do.”
Maya Angelou
16. What do you think the world needs more of?
Less focus on social media in this life we are supposed to live. Less of the opinions of others, less judgement, less comparisons to one another.
More listening, more learning and more excitement about life! Being happy and healthy is where it’s at.
