Originally from Lithuania, Demi Wise has been a resident to Chicago since 2015. Her love of makeup was originally inspired by a European body art show. What started out as an obsession with “playing on friends faces” inevitably blossomed into her career as a makeup artist.
What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?
Having been an avid lover of fine art, I took art lessons as a child. This love had me painting my own face and experimenting with makeup as a freshman in college. Back then at the Academy of Art, I remember accosting total strangers to ask if I could trim their eyebrows or try out eyeshadow colors on them.
After several years working for various businesses, I understood that my true calling was painting, and my canvas was a woman’s face. Since I moved to the United States, I started my own business and have been working as a professional makeup artist in my own studio. I have extensive experience in photography, bridal, catalogue and video makeup.
Tell us about your business
Beautyque, Inc is a professional makeup studio that offers all occasion makeup both inside and outside the studio. Because of the increased popularity of makeup, I have become a trainer and teach private lessons. I am also a Member of the Chicago Makeup Artist Club, which helps me connect with other makeup artists and share our experiences together.
Are you currently running any promos/contests/giveaways that you would like our readers to know about?
I always have a little gift ready for my lovely clients… but you must come to my studio to see what it is! 😉
List awards/certifications/accomplishments.
- Lithuanian Academy of Fine Arts – Bachelor 2007
- Lithuanian University of Educational Sciences – Masters Fine Arts 2013
- Permanent Makeup certificate – 2014
- Makeup Artist certificate – 2016
Where is your business based?
Darien, Illinois.
What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?
While studying to be a makeup artist, I met a wonderful Indian girl who offered me a job as a makeup artist at an Indian wedding. After that came the creation of my website and Facebook page.
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
I believe that the easiest way to gain new customers (and this strategy has proven successful thus far) is spreading the word through satisfied customers.
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
My greatest challenge so far has been the Indian wedding I mentioned previously. I had 15 ladies which needed makeup done; I had to work for twelve hours, three days in a row! The greatest challenge AND reward was making all 15 of those women feel beautiful.
How did you overcome these challenges?
I simply did what I had to do: my job. And through overcoming these hurdles and challenges of my work, I have gained a fair amount of extremely valuable experience.
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
I love my job, and when you do something that you love, there is always a drive to work harder and do more.
How do you distinguish yourself from your competitors?
I always try to be myself, focus on my own original work, and follow proper work etiquette.
What is the best advice you have received recently?
The best advice that I have received would be to not be afraid of being original – always stay authentic and be yourself.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
Don’t be afraid of life’s hurdles, accept new challenges because through them we grow stronger.
What are your favorite business tools/resources and why?
Facebook is the main platform that I enjoy using.
What is a good article or book you have read recently?
“The Secrets to Makeup From a Professional’s View” Olesia Zuravliova.
What are you currently learning about for your business or looking for help with?
I am looking for a chance to teach people how to effectively and beautifully do their makeup for formal and informal occasions.
What are your goals for the next few months and how are you striving to achieve them?
My goal is to find new clientele and to network with more photographers and fashion show organizers.
What social media outlets do you use? List them below.
Instagram @beautyque_dw
Facebook @muabeautyque
Website www.beutyque.com
Email Demi.beautyque@gmail.com
Hashtags #muabeutyque
Photo credits: Agnes Malorny