What inspired you to specialize in semi-permanent brows and how do you believe it impacts your clients’ confidence?
I’ve been a makeup artist for 14 years, and brows have always been my thing. I love the transformation brows can provide for everyone. Damone Roberts, has always said brows frame your face. In fact, it’s one of the first things a person looks at you when they are first meeting you. That’s what lead me to brows, once I decided to transition from working with MAC Cosmetics I knew Semi Permanent brows was my next step and that I would love to help clients confidence.
So, in fact I had a client whose confidence was impacted because his skin tone was deep. So deep that he felt that people couldn’t see the difference from how he wore his hair (bald) to his eyes. That affected him dearly. So, he came and received microblading (Semi permanent brows that creates hair like strokes) from me and it has helped how he see himself.
“I realized that brows frame the face even without even a touch of makeup. Well-groomed brows can take 10 years off your face or 10 pounds off, when done correctly.”
-Damone Roberts
Taraji P. Henson’s Eyebrow Guru Damone Roberts Debuts New MAC Collab (hollywoodreporter.com)
You mentioned that purpose is behind your business. Can you elaborate on how this drives your approach to beauty services?
Great question, yes I’ve known since I was a small child that I had a purpose, however it evaded me for such a long time. One day it was mentioned to me that I always keep myself up and love fashion, I should look into it. I did, that very night and since then I’ve been pouring into people everyday.
Transitioning from working for a major beauty company to starting your own business can be challenging. What were some of the biggest obstacles you faced, and how did you overcome them?
My biggest challenge was courage, courage to step out and create the freedom I saw myself having. Faith has always been a major factor in my life, so I built my faith daily, I jumped into support groups and kept feeding my mindset. That’s what helped me transition.
Can you share a particularly memorable moment or success story from your time running Waverly McSwain Beauty?
A memorable moment for me was seeing my parents face, when I opened the studio and had my 1 year grand opening event. The way they sat there proudly watching me speak to each client by name who came in to support me. Seeing the outpouring of love that I received was a memorable moment as well. Also, seeing my growth each year inspires me to keep going.
As an entrepreneur, what do you find most rewarding about owning your own beauty business?
The Freedom, however two fold. Yes, you choose your schedule, yes you aren’t restricted to certain hours. However, you have to create discipline in your life in order to be successful. So, I’m enjoying the personal growth entrepreneurship requires.
On the flip side, what are some of the biggest challenges you face as a small business owner in the beauty industry?
Funding. Knowing what is a good way to obtain funding. My focus has been mostly on applying for grants. Also, how to write an effective grant proposal and to know how to contact them to see what the grant percentage they mostly focus on.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering starting their own beauty business?
You can do it! It’s so challenging but rewarding. Know your why, really stay focus on your goals. Also, remember Rome wasn’t built in a day.
How do you stay inspired and continue to innovate in your field?
Consistent education is what keeps me inspired, the people around me and I bet on myself daily. I can’t fail me.( That’s my motto)
In your experience, what role does social media play in marketing and growing a beauty business, and do you have any tips for leveraging it effectively?
Social media is about 40% of importance to me, everyone pushes it and we keep our focus on it daily. Social media, however isn’t the only way to promote your business, remember word of mouth, being present In your community, showing up as an expert to different in person events help your business grow as well.
Leveraging social media- BE THE EXPERT in your field
