Rae Allina loved her job as a makeup artist at a prestigious company but desired freedom above all else, so she quit to start her own business and now owns several! Read our interview with the lovely Rae Allina below…
What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?
Freedom. I wanted the ability to have flexibility in my schedule to work less hours and maximize my services.
Tell us about your business.
Uplift Beauty, Inc. is a private makeup and lash studio in Chicago offering an inclusive service environment. The services I provide include inspired lash extensions and makeup applications ranging from special occasion, bridal and, lessons. I am also an Ambassador and Lead Director for a professional makeup brand, Limelight by Alcone, which I sell and work with exclusively. I have a team of 70 beauty guides that I provided business coaching to on a daily basis. Additionally, I travel across the country to participate in makeup trainings, workshops, and events with Limelight by Alcone.
Where is your business based?
North side of Chicago near Albany Park/Ravenswood/north center.
What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?
Created a website www.uplift-beauty.com and built a network through social media to market myself.
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
Referrals, Yelp, and presence on social media.
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
Scheduling customer appointments prior to online booking, it was very time consuming.
How did you overcome these challenges?
I purchased the Vagaro program which is a database for professional in the beauty industry that can be added to your website which allows customers to book online.
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
When business slows down I use that time to focus on giving back. In July, I volunteered on a feature film called Ginger the Movie – an Indie film based on a true story about breast cancer. I have also volunteered artistry classes at women’s shelters and local cosmetology schools. As an entrepreneur there is always something to do, whether it be personal development training and education or creating a MOTD for my next YouTube tutorial.
How did you distinguish yourself from your competitors?
My clients enjoy having a distraction free environment at Uplift Beauty, Inc. The space is private, cozy, and peaceful. I elevate the customer experience by having essential oils diffused, luxurious bedding, and relaxing music. As an artist I distinguish myself by teaching others. I believe that any trained artist offers talent but teaching a customer how to apply their makeup with confidence gives them a lifelong experience.
What is the best advice you have received recently?
The best advice I recently received was to allow time for myself and quiet my mind. Michele Mallardi-Gay, CEO of Limelight by Alcone made this the focus message of our second annual summit and invited Life coach and Psychologist Dr. Amy Johnson to speak in depth on the importance of “settling the snow globe” of our mind to allow our intuitive mind to lead our lives.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
Take time to reflect on your progress. As a business owner you will always have a long to do list and feel behind constantly because when you are motivated you are always focusing on the bigger picture and trying to stay one step ahead but you can end up celebrating the milestones along the way.
What social media outlets do you use? List them below.
YouTube: Rae Allina
Twitter @raeallina
Facebook www.facebook.com/RaeAllinaMua
Facebook Business Page: Uplift Beauty, Inc.
Website www.uplift-beauty.com
Learn how to become a Beauty Guide on my entrepreneur team: www.LLmakeupmissionaries.com
What are you currently learning about for your business or looking for help with?
I am currently learning more about the direct sales industry to become an expert as an ambassador for Limelight by Alcone. I am attending the Sonia Stringer Believe Conference in Kansas City in upcoming weeks.
What are your goals for the next few months and how are you striving to achieve them?
My goal is to expand my business coaching through YouTube, increase my team of beauty guides and reach Senior Director in the next 6 months. I would like to increase my makeup and lash clientele and plan to attract more customers through networking events, bridal expos, and starting a referral program.