Interview with Founder of Make-Up by Cara Silverman, New York

What inspired you to be a make-up artist?

Honestly, I’ve loved make-up forever. It’s always been my creative escape from everything. I always jokingly say that Sephora is like my haven. No matter how bad a day I might be having, that store can make my mood do a 180 in a minute. When you love something so much, it’s hard to stay away from it.

How would you describe the demand for make-up artists in the NY area?

I would say that it’s growing significantly. NYC is the hub for Fashion. For runway shows, photo shoots, etc. Especially with shows like Face Off, make-up artists are entering the spotlight more and more each day. The need is definitely there, you just have to put out your feelers.

Describe the challenges you face.

It’s a bit challenging juggling my day job, my freelance career, and trying to maintain some kind of social life. Sometimes I get overwhelmed, but then realize how lucky I am to be able to be doing so much, and that subsides. A challenge that ANY artist will face is the building part. In the beginning, there is a lot of investment with very little return. You have to know when to pursue the bigger projects and what you’re ready for. It’s also challenging keeping up with my contacts and outsourcing, but I should be getting an assistant this week to help with some of that.

How do you negotiate with clients for gigs/jobs?

Well, it all depends on the gig/job. Weddings for example are pretty much set in stone, but I do offer bulk and referral discounts. Some gigs I will do for free if I feel that there is a substantial amount of publicity, networking potential, or some other beneficial equivalent. It really all goes on a case by case basis. I’m still learning, growing, and building my client base and contacts, so right now I’m open to a lot of negotiations.

You also have a huge Facebook following. How did you do that? Does it turn into business?

With anything, you get back what you give. I hand out about 1,000 business cards every few months, I make sure that all pictures that have my work in them are tagged to my page, I post my link into groups that are relevant to my field, I have my friends invite their friends, I do very minimal Facebook advertising only in the areas that have a high interest for beauty, fashion, makeup, etc. I network like a MADWOMAN. And honestly, that is the true key to success. My Facebook following has recently took a huge leap, and I’m still playing catch up. It’s already starting to generate leads that could turn into business/clients, which is why I have a need for an assistant. It’s been crazy, but crazy is definitely a good thing.

Are you planning ever to do your makeup business full time?

It’s possible. I take everything day by day. I have an absolutely wonderful day job that I love and am so incredibly grateful for, that I do see myself at for a while, maybe even forever, but I do love my freelance career. I think I will continue to do both and see which one I excel in more. I will obviously choose the one that brings me the most success balanced with the most happiness, but only time will tell. I do have a lot of great ideas/concepts for a business, but only time will tell on how that will all play out. I try to take each day as it comes.

What advice do you have for other entrepreneurs?

Don’t give up. PUSH. If someone makes you second guess yourself, ignore them. Goals were never reached by reluctance. No one in this world can follow your dreams but you. Some people thought I was crazy when I woke up one day and said “Hey, I’m gunna be a make-up artist”. I had no professional training, I was trying for gigs in the most competitive city in the world (besides London), and I had zero experience. But I did it, and things are working out nicely. You just have to jump in, strategize, keep your eye on the prize. If you are truly passionate about something, there should be nothing in this world that can stop you from doing it. Nothing. I only hope that one day I can be an inspiration for others. I would like my passion to be contagious, and I think the world should be filled with people doing what they love to do. “Find a job that you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life”.

http://www.carasilvermanmakeup.com

http://www.facebook.com/Eye2CheekChic

Photo Credit: Pereda Photography (Pedro Pereda)