Hair What I'm Saying
"Hair What I'm Saying" is created to share real life experiences with real people in the beauty industry to promote healthy relationships with consumers and Beautyprenuers. We will get into the nitty gritty of the backend of hair/salon business to help consumers understand why certain policies are implemented in order to sustain a healthy balanced salon environment for both parties, while consumers share their unprofessional and challenging experiences behind the chair. The goal is to bridge the gap to understand one another's perspective in hopes of clarity and unity.
Hair What I'm Saying
"Balancing Act: Navigating Entrepreneurship and a 9-5 with Raven Cornwall"
Watch the Video Podcast of this episode on Youtube!
What if you could balance a full-time career and a thriving side hustle without losing your mind? Our latest episode of "Hair What I'm Saying" answers this question with the incredible story of Raven Cornwall. Raven juggles a demanding job at a financial firm while running a successful bridal makeup business. She shares her game-changing strategies for time management, leveraging PTO and sick time, and utilizing HoneyBook for seamless client communication. Hear firsthand about the personal sacrifices and meticulous planning required to maintain this dual career path and the organizational skills that make it all possible.
We also dive into the crucial intersection of financial stability and entrepreneurial dreams. Raven emphasizes the importance of financial preparedness, including effective debt management, before transitioning to full-time self-employment. Her background in finance has been pivotal in her business planning, proving that financial literacy is key for any successful entrepreneur. Our conversation sheds light on the stark realities of entrepreneurship, contrasting the allure of social media platforms like TikTok with the continuous effort required to sustain a business. Discover why entrepreneurship might not be everyone's cup of tea and the long-term planning it demands.
In the final segment, Raven opens up about building confidence through continuous learning and the use of automation tools to streamline her business. She recounts the transformative impact of virtual artistry classes and masterclasses with top-tier artists. Learn why setting boundaries, particularly around pricing, is essential for avoiding problematic clients and maintaining self-respect. Plus, we delve into the personal rewards of self-employment and Raven's journey from a reserved financial employee to a confident makeup artist. This episode is packed with practical advice, inspiration, and the importance of setting long-term goals in the beauty industry. Don't miss out on Raven’s invaluable insights for aspiring makeup artists.
Stay connected with Raven Cornwall by checking out her website and following her social media accounts below:
-Visit Raven Cornwall's Website for makeup services or to view her gallery of beautiful brides.
-Follow her Instagram and TikTok social media accounts.
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"Nia Ford's Journey to Natural Hair Acceptance and the Need for Diversity in Beauty Standards"
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Welcome to another episode of Hair what I'm Saying, where we explore the dynamic intersection of entrepreneurship and traditional careers. I'm your host, Kenetra Stewart, and today we have the pleasure of speaking with the talented Raven Cornwall. Raven's journey is a fascinating example of how to successfully juggle a full-time job while nurturing a passion project on the side. We'll dive into her experiences managing the balance between her 9-5 career and her makeup artistry business, explore the mindset shifts required to wear multiple hats and discuss the impact of social media narratives on our professional lives. So, whether you're contemplating a side hustle or trying to find harmony between your various roles, stay tuned for some valuable insights. Welcome to the Hair what I'm Saying podcast. I'm your host, Kenetra Stewart. Today we have Raven Cornwall Beauty joining us. How are you, Raven? I'm good, Kenetra, how you doing?
Speaker 2:Girl.
Speaker 1:I'm good, I'm feeling good, feeling great. It's a good day. Yes, beautiful outside it is. It is I'm ready for the fall, absolutely my favorite time of the year for sure.
Speaker 2:Yes, thanks, so Raven how do you manage the balance between your full time job and your entrepreneur venture as a makeup artist? So right now I've been managing. Well, I work full time at a financial firm, so you know when.
Speaker 2:I have an opportunity that comes up. I use my PTO or sick time to, you know, be able to focus more on my business, because that's what I want to do Eventually, eventually, full time. So I told myself this year that I'm no longer turning down any opportunities because of a corporation that I work for, that myself and my business is going to come first.
Speaker 1:Absolutely, I agree, especially if you know that's the overall long term goal. Yes, what about like? Do you use any specific apps? Like, I think it's like a motion app in order to like delegate through all the responsibilities of balancing between the entrepreneur job and also your, you know, nine to five. Yes, so I use.
Speaker 2:HoneyBook. Ok, we have the CRM systems and that has helped me tremendously throughout being a makeup artist. So, like, when I get inquiries, my honey book automatically sends a response back and then, once I view over the inquiry, that's when I email the bride and our client. I mainly focus on bridal makeup. So the bride I email her back within 24 to 48 hours. I email her back within 24 to 48 hours. So basically, when I'm at work on my 9 to 5 and I get off of work, I'm back on the computer.
Speaker 1:So it's like from one job to the next job? Yes, okay. So do you have any free time at your 9 to 5 to do any business you know for your entrepreneur job at all?
Speaker 2:No, so it's pretty busy.
Speaker 1:Yes, it's busy. What your nine-to-five job is it? When you clock in you at work and when you clock out you off work? Yes, okay, that's good. So that, do you feel like that also play a role in helping you balance, so that work doesn't overflow from your nine-to-five at home?
Speaker 2:yes, yes, that does help. Um, I'm not supposed to work from like do anything once I'm out of the office. I'm out of the office. Yes, so I do not play no games. Five o'clock come I am out the zone good not talk to me because I am out the zone.
Speaker 1:Okay, so do you get? So? You say you mostly focus on brides. Yes, so is the demand high? Or you feel like it's at a comfortable pace right now, where you do have an opportunity to like juggle between the two jobs?
Speaker 2:I feel like right now it's at a comfortable pace, because I do get a lot of inquiries, a lot, lot of inquiries, but a lot of those inquiries do not reply back um so yeah, you mean it don't reply back. Oh, like, oh, they don't reply okay, so once I initiate a conversation and um and and try to book like a bridal consultation to just meet the bride and see what her wedding vision is and just to learn more about what she's looking for yeah, so it's. Sometimes I get a response back. Sometimes.
Speaker 1:I don't Got you, ok, yes, so.
Speaker 2:But it's very manageable right now. I just what really has helped me I've taken bridal classes, so that's really helped me with making sure I am communicating with potential brides.
Speaker 1:OK, so do you feel like those classes? They teach organization skills as well, like time management.
Speaker 2:Yes.
Speaker 1:Just in case you know, you are, you know, in a situation like you, Mm-hmm.
Speaker 2:Okay, and it has helped tremendously.
Speaker 1:Like and what like. What are some of those resources that you know they offer in these classes, or some that you, you know, adapted into your own life, where it's like, okay, this is what works for me, I'm able to stay on task, I'm able to stay on schedule and also have, you know, even your personal time, you know, because two jobs and then also some time for yourself, right? So how do you feel like? Do you feel like you're still learning how to manage all of that, or do you feel like, so far, I have a really good, um, like a really good hold on things?
Speaker 2:I feel like I'm still learning how to manage everything. My boyfriend complains that I'm on my laptop a lot uh-huh, yeah, because I can.
Speaker 1:I feel like it's so it was. It's really hard to balance it all. Yeah, you know if you you can get it done, but it like it's so, it was it's really hard to balance it all.
Speaker 2:Yeah, it is.
Speaker 1:You know you can get it done, but it's just so challenging. Yes, it is very challenging.
Speaker 2:So he complained yes, he complained. I'm like I'm trying to quit my full-time job and this is what it's going to be like. If you're going to be an entrepreneur, you got to, especially with with me, I'm like adamant. I do not want to work a nine-to-five yeah so I'm like always on my laptop.
Speaker 2:I gotta create timelines for my brides, I gotta send those timelines out. I gotta connect with the planners. I also learned in those classes that um connecting with the photographer as well, you know, letting them know what the timeline is, and before last year I would, all I was doing was sending out timelines to the bride, you know, and not really connecting with the planner and the photographer. So I just learned so much this year. So you were building your own timeline. Yeah, I built my own timeline. Oh, wow, I still build my own timeline. I think the only time I didn't build a timeline is when I worked with one particular planner and she built the timeline. Yeah, and it was only two people. Oh, okay, but yes, I built the timeline. I have a wedding tomorrow and I built the timeline for all 13 bridal party members.
Speaker 1:Yeah, well, and it was challenging we talked about that outside of here, yeah, but that's a lot of people to manage throughout the day, you know. So I'm sure that was pretty challenging, I guess. Um, you know, carla and I we've done a podcast, you know, and we discuss timelines and we never built our own timelines, really, we never did. And so whenever we were presented to build our own timelines, we had all type of question marks around our heads Like, well, I guess for us, we don't know the flow of the day, so it's like okay, if I'm inserting myself at 8 am, what are they doing at 8 am? Right? So that's why we never built it. What we would do was give them the amount of time that we needed per person, and then they would just squeeze us in the timeline.
Speaker 1:Because we didn't know how the flow of the day was gonna be so that's why we was like so whenever you know that particular wedding planner did send us. You know like we need the timeline. I'm like the timeline yeah, oh, yeah, but.
Speaker 2:I'm learning some do it some don't I like create my own timeline, because I am not no 45 minute makeup artist.
Speaker 1:Yeah so.
Speaker 2:Yeah, I like to put in because I know how long it's going to take me. Yeah, so I like to be in control of the timeline. So that's why I just reach out to the planner or the photographer to see what their timeline is like. When pictures are going to start, when does the planner need everybody ready, like things like that, and you just kind of backtrack from that. Yeah, okay, and I keep my notes.
Speaker 1:Okay, yes, Well, what motivated you to start your makeup business while still maintaining your full time career?
Speaker 2:OK, this is going to be a little deep but OK.
Speaker 2:So I've worked in the financial industry ever since I was in high school because I always wanted to follow in the footsteps of my mom OK, she, she's a manager for Well, she's now like higher up in the banking industry and I always wanted to follow those footsteps and stay in the financial industry because I like it. I learn so much. So you like math? No, I do a lot of customer service oh my God no. Yeah, no, let me clear that up. Let me clear that up. I do a lot of customer service oh my god no let me clear that up.
Speaker 1:No, thank you, I am not good at math.
Speaker 2:I'm good at customer service. I'm good at administrative work got you, and so that part of the job like working where I work now it really also is helping me with the administrative part of being a makeup artist.
Speaker 1:I love that, okay, and also the customer service too.
Speaker 2:Right, yeah, so um, I just I've been at banks, I've, and now I'm at a financial firm working for a financial advisor and I just it's like I'm just never satisfied, I'm not happy where I'm at.
Speaker 2:So I really like, when I first started working where I work now, I was like I'm gonna retire from here, I'm gonna do makeup as a hobby. But then when I got into it and started experiencing some issues with people that I work with and I just prayed and I just asked God like why is it that I'm never satisfied when it comes to being at you working for a company, working for someone, and when I go and do makeup, I'm happy on myself. Everybody around me is positive, yeah, for sure. So God basically just told me, like because I'm not living out my calling and I'm just that's, I'm never going to be satisfied until I'm fully living my calling, absolutely so. And and that's what, that's what really drove me to really push myself to actually do this like full time and get out of the corporate America. So that is my goal is to get out of corporate America. Yeah, focus on my business full time.
Speaker 1:I really do believe, like you know, like working at a financial, financial institution, I mean it's a great job, you know, provide stability, security, Right, and things of that nature. But I'm like, if you are a creator and you have a skill set, yeah, I'm like, why would you sleep on it, right you know, and go work for a corporation, right, you know? I feel like if you have a gift, then God has blessed you with that gift to share with everybody. So, yeah, I think that's very admirable that you stepped into that. And you tapped into that and you was like, yeah, I'm going to leave this. Yeah, so do you have a timeline on when you want to leave your nine to five and pursue entrepreneurship full time?
Speaker 2:So I don't have a timeline, which I was just telling my mom. I was like I just need to walk out on faith, because every person that I've interacted with, like a makeup artist, a hairstylist, they literally just walked out on faith. And they got over that fear and once they did that, you know they just took off. Their business took off because they trusted God and walked out.
Speaker 1:And.
Speaker 2:I really I need to do that, but I got a lot of debt right now. I got credit cards. I need to pay off. Yeah Listen, don really I need to do that, but I got a lot of debt right now.
Speaker 1:I got credit cards I need to pay. Yeah, listen, don't. I highly advise, stay at that. Nine to five, take care of them. Bills yes, before you enter entrepreneurship, because you know it costs money. In order to start the business yes, you don't want to keep putting yourself in debt. Right, you know trying to start the business, you know there are ways that you can get grants and things of that nature. You know. But you know what you need to do in order to make it work for you. And everybody's story is so unique. Everyone's journey to start is just so unique. So, as long as you know you're good to go, you know, being aware is like the number one thing.
Speaker 2:Yes, because I can't go up in there and be like I'm about to leave today, right? And then I got some bills coming up.
Speaker 1:No, you cannot and we are highly advising y'all to not do that. Yes, do not do that. If you got debt, take care of your debt or at least get it down to a comfortable number that you can juggle and make sure y'all are. You know that's a whole nother podcast Investing into these, you know, high yield savings accounts.
Speaker 2:Get your we're not going to go there. Yeah, that's a whole nother podcast. That's a whole nother podcast. Look, I do this, I do that job Monday through Friday, and that's why I feel like you being involved in a financial corporation, you know.
Speaker 1:You know, in a financial institution, it's gonna help you on the financial aspect of your entrepreneur business. Because I feel as though when we, as artists, embark on this new journey, that's where we suffer the most. Right, because we're focused on being a creator. We're only taught to be creators. No one is teaching us financial health and stability for your business. You know, it's like oh, I got money coming in tomorrow because I'm making money tomorrow, so I'm gonna go spend this money. But it's like, if you're spending, you're not making anything, you know. So another podcast, all right, girl. So there's a strong narrative on social media pushing people to leave their nine-to-five jobs to pursue entrepreneurship full-time. How do you feel about this, especially since you, you know, are doing both like? Do you feel like this is for everyone?
Speaker 2:um, I don't. I don't think it. It may not be for everyone. I feel like people should, um, educate themselves, um, and take classes and make sure that you know you're. You're taking marketing classes. Yes, um, because it is not easy. Even financial literacy classes. Financial literacy classes, like it's just not easy. Um, being an entrepreneur I wish it was, but it's not. It's a lot of learning and building your clientele, making sure you have a steady clientele and like if something like the pandemic happens failing to success, like literally.
Speaker 1:It's like failure to success.
Speaker 2:Yeah, so you just got to make sure you have you know plans.
Speaker 1:Yeah, plans For sure, for sure, yeah. So do you feel as though social media is like pushing this narrative on everyone, like, oh, you need to quit your nine to five and you need to be an entrepreneur and you need to be making your own money?
Speaker 2:And do you feel like yeah, yeah, I see it a lot, especially on TikTok, because I'm a TikTok girly, so I do see it a lot where I see people quitting their corporate jobs to do what you know, what they love to do, which is fine, perfectly fine. They're ready for that. But you can't push that on to others if they're not fully ready, right, um, but it can be motivating exactly, yes, very motivating.
Speaker 1:And they have a good way of like influencing, right, you know, people who probably shouldn't be stepping into the entrepreneurial world. You know, they have a really great way of like pushing that narrative, like it's for everyone and it's not for everyone, you know, um, and also just for like, social media and its influences can really steer people away from what they are authentically supposed to be doing. Yeah, you know so. So I do feel as though, as well, like you, they are pushing the narrative like so many people are pushing. Oh, you need to become an entrepreneur, you know, and I'm like, yeah, but when you become an entrepreneur, sometimes that means you're never off. Yeah, at least with a nine to five, like you say, when you clock in, you're at work and when you clock out, you're out of work. You know, and that's not the case for entrepreneurs, right, we are working around the clock, yeah, which is why, with your boyfriend, he like girl the laptop please, you know, yes, give me something.
Speaker 1:Yeah, yeah, why do you do you? Why do you feel like there is this strong narrative being pushed Like why do you have a? Why?
Speaker 2:I do not know. I'm not about to be pushing people to do something that you know they're not ready to do, or I'm just not one of those type of people, so I don't. I don't understand the narrative, and then I mean people do need to work, we do need businesses to go to Right, because it's like, if we're all entrepreneurs, who the heck gonna?
Speaker 1:be, Right, like we can't all be entrepreneurs. Exactly, exactly, what is the motive behind pushing entrepreneurship on everyone? You know I speak to veterans that are, you know, entrepreneur veterans and they wish they would have done it the other way. You know, like, kind of like, what you're doing, yeah, okay, establishing that security first, instead of just embarking on a journey with no plan, no insights, you know, just not taking classes, like you're investing in classes and they wish they would have done it that way. And then some are like I wish I wouldn't have done it at all. Yeah, you know, so it's like it's not something that you push on everybody. It's a certain personality trait that comes with being an entrepreneur and you really have to have some tough skin and please do. And you have to accept defeat and welcome it and embrace it. You're constantly going to be defeated.
Speaker 2:That's for sure, and it is challenging.
Speaker 1:It's very challenging.
Speaker 2:Yes, I've came across so much things and I'm like how do I handle this situation? I never thought I would come across certain situations. And what type of situations Um with my business, just basically standing on business, like I have to advocate for myself because it's my business. That's right, let's talk about that.
Speaker 1:Like advocating for yourself and you don't have a boss to report to when something has escalated right. Yes, so have you ever faced a challenging situation and you had to find ways to de-escalate the situation in your entrepreneur job, and did you use some of the situations from your corporate job and you adapted those ways that you learned from that job into your makeup business?
Speaker 2:I would say with I haven't't experienced.
Speaker 1:Luckily, all of my clients have been great positive and great you must have a great screening process I had to learn I.
Speaker 2:I haven't had any difficult clients um as of yet um, but there has been situations that have came about to where I had to figure out how to communicate it with a client um so that it doesn't come off as um like I don't want to do something for them, but it's like maybe something that they're asking outside of the boundaries of your business.
Speaker 1:Yeah, okay yes.
Speaker 2:So, um, like, for instance, I get a lot of, you know, clients that do ask about, they question my prices, and don't y'all and my price is my price. You know, um, there's a certain clientele that I aspire to reach and I feel like that's the clientele that's really gonna help me get out of being a full-time worker, absolutely, and being able to have a business and build a legacy for my family. So there's no negotiation when it comes to my price. Either you can afford it or you know I can refer you to another makeup artist that may be within your budget and stop forcing a fit, because it's okay, like sometimes it's even something all the way down to the price, and we'll let you know.
Speaker 1:this is just not your client. You know, exactly, and we all have to. You know that's a boundary we all need to keep in our business is we don't negotiate price. This is a price and this is just what it is, and I feel like that's how you do unintentionally invite problematic clients. Because you were never a fit and you're trying to make them your fit.
Speaker 1:And that's probably why, so far, you have had a great experience with your clientele, because you're not forcing a fit. If it work, it work, and if it don't, it don't. And my only reasoning for thinking or believing these individuals will push the boundary yes, it's because they have done it before and it worked. People only do what works for them, right, right right, all money is not good money, thanks, okay so in your opinion? Why do you believe influencers have more followers than us? Pro artists?
Speaker 2:because they post every day. Let me get a sip artist, because they post every day. Let me get a sip. I'm gonna. What'd you say, girl? Influencers post every single day.
Speaker 1:Consistently.
Speaker 2:Oh, consistently.
Speaker 1:I wish I had it in me, but you also have your 9 to 5. Exactly, and your daughter? You know you have other obligations. Yes, you know, and I feel like social media that's another unhealthy influence that they push on influencers, artists, lifestyle bloggers, whoever it's like you need to be posting every day.
Speaker 1:You know multiple times, you know right and um and that's not healthy right, I cannot afford to be on your app if I want some personal, real time, like that's another thing I don't like about social media. You know, I always tell people if I have something to say to you, I'll post. If I have something I want to share, I'll post. Right, I'm not going to be posting just because somebody told if I have something I want to share, I'll post. I'm not going to be posting just because somebody told me that's what I need to do in order to gain following. Whoever's supposed to be following, whoever find me, those are my people, right, exactly, I will not be pressured into you know, doing things that I feel this, I'm spending too much time on this and creating the content is enough time that we and then you want me to create the caption. It's too much. That's a whole nother job.
Speaker 1:Seo oh, I know I learned so much about SEO this year Search engine optimization, and really that's what we need to focus on more than social media. I've heard so much about SEO. Yes, you know like Search engine optimization is, and really that's what we need to focus on, more than social media. We need to be focusing on our websites Because, you know, instagram will crash any minute. Yep, like I think it happened with like two months ago. It just unintentionally crashed, yeah. So if that's your only way of marketing to your clients, if they crash for good, what are you going to do? How are they going to find you?
Speaker 1:You know, so they have more time than us to post consistently. Yes, and what else Do you have any?
Speaker 2:other reasons and I just feel like they're because they have so much time. They have time to keep up with all the changes with the algorithm, because it's just a lot you know. And but yeah, I just feel like, with their consistency, they, they just and they attract because they post consistently, yeah, they attract brands and that's that's their job, like content creation is their job. So, um, I just feel like I mean I'm more power to the influencers because they, they, they know how to influence these clients.
Speaker 1:Now, all the bad ways they, they know how to bring it in. Yes, they do.
Speaker 2:I wish I knew what they was doing.
Speaker 1:I have noticed like a lot of them will tag those brands whenever they are like using their products. They tag them a lot, and I believe that also gains exposure for them as well. You know, so that these brands are reaching out and trying to collaborate with them too, you know, and some of them do have other jobs too.
Speaker 2:Yes, I did notice that some of them do have other jobs and for them to get off their job and go and have a camera in their face and do a whole routine of how they do their makeup.
Speaker 1:Yeah, that's a balance too. I don't know how they're balancing all of that, because I couldn do their makeup. Yeah, that's a balance too. Yeah, how they balancing all of that, because I couldn't do it. Yeah, do you also feel as though they also have more following because they may be more relatable to the masters?
Speaker 2:Yeah, yeah, right yeah.
Speaker 1:Because I feel like sometimes they can probably get lost in translation with our professional terminology.
Speaker 2:Right, you know what I'm saying?
Speaker 1:Yes, and they can probably get lost in translation with our professional terminology, right? You know what I'm saying? Yes, and with them they can talk, like how the other person needs to hear it you know versus us?
Speaker 1:we might. If I'm talking about layers of a hair strand and you know, most of us are familiar with cuticle but not medullary cortex, and if I speak in that terminology, I'm like girl, I don't know what she's talking about, right, you know? Moving on, so I do wonder if it's also because maybe they are more relatable to the masses opposed to us.
Speaker 2:Yeah, and they can get free makeup lessons from a content creator. I just watched a content creator this morning and she did her whole makeup routine, which it was sure it was like cut in pieces, you know, but she literally like what primer, uh, foundation? But all of those steps don't work for everybody.
Speaker 1:I was gonna say that I was gonna say but it might work for her but not for everyone. But I guess she's laying the foundation Right, like this is what you need to complete a look, but not necessarily Nell your look, right. I do appreciate the content creators that say this is what works for me, right, but not necessarily is going to work for you. Yes, you know, they all need to put that disclaimer out there. Like it works for me, but maybe not for you, not for you?
Speaker 2:Yeah, exactly, not for you. Yeah, exactly, because a lot of people, because they're influencers, a lot of people believe that whatever they see their their favorite influencer doing, that is going to work for them when it does it.
Speaker 1:Yeah, that's true. That's true. What are some of the?
Speaker 2:biggest challenges you face in your full time job that are different from those in your makeup business. So the challenges that I face in my full-time job is working with the elderly. When are they going to retire these baby boomers? The elderly, the elderly, the elderly?
Speaker 1:So give us some examples like two Okay.
Speaker 2:So one they're stuck in their own ways. Number two, the biggest one, is that they don't adapt to change. So in the industry working financial industry there's always changes. There's always changes to the system and we're in 2024. They're upgrading so much and when you're just stuck in your own ways and you block out, when someone's trying to tell you an easier way, how to do things and you block it out like as if I don't know what I'm talking about, it just it makes me uncomfortable to work with you. Yeah, you are blocking me out. So when you come and ask me a question, yeah, you need answer to.
Speaker 1:I'm like you don't want to cooperate.
Speaker 2:No, like I'll be dealing with some food you don't want to cooperate.
Speaker 1:So basically, they're stuck in their ways and they don't want. They're not flexible. Okay, is it like apps or like what are some examples like? They are just not open to wanting to change.
Speaker 2:Just like the software. Okay, because the software updates. You know, for instance, like we have this new system that we're now doing like appointments and we're and we're all learning how to, how this system works and how to use it, you know, efficiently, and they be frustrated and it's like the first frustrated work.
Speaker 1:Like, since y'all are learning, are they frustrated and they don't have patience with y'all also learning? Or is it like they just don't want to change, or both? Or is it like they just don't want to change?
Speaker 2:Or both, both for one lady. But my advisor, she's willing to learn, she's open to learn, she understands that this system is evolving.
Speaker 1:Yes, so she understands that.
Speaker 2:But just getting frustrated and having these little outbreaks and all this I'm the type of person Outbreaks, yes, like this stupid system. I can't handle this calendar.
Speaker 1:This is craziness, okay, like girl, omg, put in the retirement paper, okay, you going to have a damn stroke.
Speaker 2:The fuck Gonna have a stroke over here letting a system stress you out? Oh dear God.
Speaker 1:I can't die what you say, I just have a stroke Girl. Get with the change and it's gonna keep evolving and it's evolving on a faster pace. We used to have years to get on an accord and now it's just like every year is something different. It's a new update, it's always something new always something new.
Speaker 2:and then, once you get to a certain age, um, your attitude changes as well, so you can tell when you're not happy to come into work. You're miserable, and then with you, bringing that negative energy into the office that passes on other people around you because that energy is heavy. Yeah, it is, it's very heavy. And I'm all about positive vibes, positive energy, positive people. I do not Especially at a nine to five yes, when I got to be with you more than my family.
Speaker 1:Yeah, it's important and they should also adopt the same, you know, mindset, because if you're here more than you are at home, like intentionally, make it a point.
Speaker 2:Right to have good energy, right, good vibes, you know yes, and I feel like when you are a positive person, it shows in your work as well. When you're negative, it shows in your work show.
Speaker 1:Yeah, that's true, that is very, very true. It's like that law of attraction thing. Yes, you know, whatever you attract, you will put out Right, exactly. Or whatever you put out, you're going to get or attract, you know Mm-hmm For sure. So what about the challenges in your makeup business? You know, like, what is the difference in between those two?
Speaker 2:Well, one big difference is I am my own boss, so I do not have to answer to anyone. You know, because I love what I do, I'm happy. You know, other than being where I'm at, I'm not happy, I'm just. You know, that's just a paycheck, but right now I don't have any challenges. But in the past I did have some challenges and because I've taken courses, and even taken classes to where I've improved my artistry, like practical skill set wise, yes, skill set wise, because trends, you know how you do, the structure of the like, the foundation of the makeup, like it all has changed over the years.
Speaker 1:Yeah, absolutely.
Speaker 2:So I invested in taking artistry classes and getting my confidence up because that, you know, as a professional artist, I found myself in the past comparing my work to other makeup artists and thinking that I wasn't good enough. So I, you know, I had to get out of that space. I, you know, I had to get out of that space. Yeah, and so I started taking artistry classes to you know what's the word To like. Enhance your skill set. Yes, Enhance my skill set and be more confident as a makeup artist.
Speaker 2:Because if you're not confident as a makeup artist, you really aren't going to go's gonna show. Yes, it's gonna show you. And I can go back and look at my work from last year, early last year, to now and I'm like, wow, yeah, a major difference yeah, yes, are these classes in person or virtual?
Speaker 1:virtual, okay, okay.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:So even the practical classes? Yeah, that's amazing. Yeah, because your artistry is really impressive. For it to be virtual only yeah, oh my goodness, I would have never thought that all of this has been virtual training. Yes, so when you first started off, you just went by what you naturally know.
Speaker 2:Yes, because.
Speaker 1:I graduated from. Youtube University. Okay, it's okay. Okay, I feel like most makeup artists kind of start there a little bit, you know, opposed to hairstylists, right, you know? Um, I feel like most makeup artists do start there.
Speaker 2:Yeah, just watching YouTube videos. And then I went to I went to Ritty Vasquez and Sam Fine's masterclass. Oh, yeah, yeah, okay, that was a game changer right there. In what ways? Oh, my gosh, just like watching both of them apply their makeup application and how it just it like. It's just like skin, you know, it's not heavy once they put it on the model's face, it just like blended into her skin. And that that's when I was like I want my makeup, I want my models my clients to look like that.
Speaker 1:That is my skin, is my thing, yeah I do not, like I don't do makeup, but baby, please don't I like for my clients to look like themselves, but just enhance.
Speaker 2:Absolutely, yeah, you know, but yeah, like just taking those master classes really really helped okay so, basically, you so your confidence level.
Speaker 1:Those are some of the challenges that you face, like just getting your confidence level up, the skill set level and things like that. What about any back end? Did you have any challenges like running your back end in the beginning? Like, did you have to learn through experience? Like, ok, I need to change this in order for this to Right, right, yeah, yes, yeah, I feel like that's most of us. Yeah, like learning through experience with with, uh, clients, like, okay, I never want to encounter that situation, so what can I implement in my business to make sure I ain't never got to deal with that again?
Speaker 2:I have dealt with some things in the past, even with like payment wise, getting coming from clients and deposits and things like that, but now that I'm I have, I actively use honey book honey book, and that's the only software you've ever used.
Speaker 2:Yes, okay, yes, and they send payment reminders to my client. I don't even have to do any of that. So a lot of automation, yes, a lot of automations, and that has really helped me. And I don't have to um go when I go to a client, um, like my honey book reminds them that this payment is due um at the time of the service. I don't have to be waiting around for payment after I'm done, like it's I'm, you know, I'm there and I'm out. You know, cause.
Speaker 2:I already got my payment. I already got the confirmation from HoneyBook that they paid online. So that is what I learned a lot because I would leave. I would go and do makeup for people and leave with no payments no, I learned my lesson.
Speaker 1:And then you have to hunt these people down to get paid. They don't want to pay, then nobody wants to pay. I don't care, nobody's happy to give you that money, you know, yes, so so, on the flip side, what are like some of the rewards of becoming a makeup artist?
Speaker 2:um a lot. You get to work for yourself. You know you're, you're happy because opposed to your full-time job opposed to my full time job. I am more. I'm just myself. I can be myself, my true, authentic self. So you don't feel like you can be yourself at your nine to five job. Hell to the mother, why not? No, why not? I need to know, we need to know Like I am. I'm, you know a little bit.
Speaker 1:A little, acting A little acting A little bit.
Speaker 2:You have to tell them a little acting, but I am quiet as a peep at work and it's just like I don't relate. I can't relate to them.
Speaker 1:Yeah, do you feel like you're one of the younger few, or is it more older people in your nine to five?
Speaker 2:So in the office I work with a 73 year old and a 63 year old, and then I'm 34.
Speaker 1:Yes, ma'am, but could not, could not.
Speaker 2:No, yes, yes. So I be having gray hairs coming out. Okay, I be having gray hairs coming out. Okay, y'all, I be having gray hairs. Yes, so you're quiet. I'm quiet because I can't. I talk, I have conversation, but I can't fully relate and embrace you. Yes, and embrace who I am Like. They know I do makeup and stuff, but they don't know the extent of. They probably think it's like a hobby, yeah, yeah, they don't know that. It's like like this is a real business that I'm building.
Speaker 1:Yeah, do they ever ask any questions about it at all? Like yeah, yeah, on the surface level.
Speaker 2:Yeah, but I feel like it's more so questions to see if I'm going to be staying at the company or if I'm gonna be leaving. You know what I'm saying, like trying to get a feel, yeah, trying to, you know, and I'm just like I answer them. I'm honest. Yeah, I'm honest. I'm going to tell you straight up. You know, if I get an opportunity to go do some makeup for Onset or something, I'm out of there. Peace out.
Speaker 1:Yeah, absolutely, but you definitely. If that's the goal to be a full-time entrepreneur makeup artist then those are some of the sacrifices that you just gotta make. It do comes. Entrepreneurship comes with a lot of different types of sacrifices, you know so. Yeah, Do you ever feel like? You know, like one role takes priority over the other? Yes, and how do you manage that?
Speaker 2:Um, I have, yes, and how do you manage that? Um, I have to think of ways. Are you referencing, like, from my nine to five, to makeup? Um, I just have to, um, get creative, get creative and think of ways to have major jinx you put on yourself. Yes, yes, All right, look, let me tell y'all, I have no sick time left and it is September.
Speaker 1:Y'all, this is how you balance it. Yes, this is the truth.
Speaker 2:This is the truth.
Speaker 1:Sometimes there is no formal balance. Yes, okay, some balances come with sacrifices.
Speaker 2:Yes, okay, and I am not a liar, but like I told my boyfriend.
Speaker 1:I said but it's your days that you earn to take off. Yes, you know so.
Speaker 2:I told him. I said I'm going to do anything to get where I need to be. That's right. And if I got, if I got to do, if I got to tell a little white lie, dude, it's just going to be a little white lie, not a white lie, no white lie, little white lie it's your days.
Speaker 1:You earned it. Take it off and move on yes, it's a mental health day.
Speaker 2:I'm taking mental health day. My mental health can be mental health.
Speaker 1:You know what I'm saying like exactly it's such a passion of yours that you actually you know experience happiness through it, and it is stimulated mentally, right, let's be honest, it is especially when you love what you do. Yes, you know, so yes it is definitely mental health, for me is if you could give advice to someone starting a side business while working full-time, what would it be?
Speaker 2:I would say to them um, to don't quit your job unless you fully have a plan on um running a successful business like you have that mapped out. But I would say, as a makeup artist, if a makeup artist is wanting to, like, quit their job and do makeup full time, make sure that you're building your portfolio up, getting to know vendors, networking, networking and making sure you are investing in education. Yeah, marketing, would you advise that first? Yes, okay, yes, I would advise that first I wouldn't do that.
Speaker 2:Um, quit and then try to take some marketing classes and also, I would let them know, like you need also, although that you want to do makeup full-time, you need another income, so whether you're opening up a suite and renting out those stations to other artists that you know can use those suites instead of doing makeup in their home, Like that's passive income that is coming into you. You just got to know what you're doing and be confident in doing it.
Speaker 1:Would you advise them to do something like that later though, like once they've established? Themselves, yeah what about if they just wanted to come straight out of high school and do makeup?
Speaker 2:Would you advise that, or would you advise them to still go get a job and then I would say work at a makeup counter, because that's something that I always wanted to do. But my life was different, set up differently.
Speaker 2:But, for someone coming out of high school, I would definitely advise them to work at a Sephora Mac store, you know, work at a makeup counter and be like a beauty advisor for the makeup counters, because at that age you're still staying at home with your parents, so you should be able to be okay financially and save your money. Save your checks that you're getting from your employer Right, and in whatever state you're in because I know that some States you do have to have license to do makeup.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:So, whatever state that you're in, make sure that you know you. You gotta take whatever classes to be a licensed makeup artist. In Texas you don't have to be licensed, but just taking classes, getting your license, getting your artistry skills up there, practicing on your friends, reaching out to models, Because models are going to want their makeup done for their photo shoot so um so, do you advise whenever they're reaching out?
Speaker 1:is that complimentary or yes?
Speaker 2:okay, gotcha yes, because you're practicing um. Once you feel like you're up there in the skill set and you know you're working um with, you know really good photographers, then you know you can um start including a rate. But I feel like when you're first starting out it should just be complimentary um tips maybe? Yes, accept tips and to get yourself really out there. A lot of work is complimentary it's an exchange.
Speaker 2:You get photos, yeah, um, but you gotta be mindful of who you are working with. Apps 1000, be mindful, because I've worked with, I did trade for pics, photo shoots, and never received the pictures, or received about two photos.
Speaker 1:That don't give me, do you advise them to probably have like a contract in place, you know saying like if this is going to be an exchange, you know this is our agreement, and that way it's kind of like upholding them to that. Yeah, agreement, yeah.
Speaker 2:I would advise that. I necessarily um, haven't done that, but I would advise you more established. Yeah, yeah, you know, in the beginning, when you're vulnerable.
Speaker 1:Oh yeah, I feel like people do take, you know, advantage of you because they know ultimately you just want to get your work out there versus when you get established.
Speaker 1:It's like I want my work out there, but I definitely want to get paid. Now you know, because you are more confident and you know what you can provide and what you bring to the table. Now you know. Okay, yes, so what are your long-term goals for being a makeup artist? Since I know this nine to five is obviously short-term, what are the long-term goals for being a makeup artist? Like you know, you're going to start a school eventually, start mentoring, like what? What are your long-term goals? Definitely not a school Definitely not a mentor.
Speaker 2:I am not a teacher. I have no patience. I'm sorry, wait a minute. You said mentor I am not a teacher.
Speaker 1:I have no patience. I'm sorry, don't come to me wanting help practice yes, I am, it's just not in me like at least you know. Yeah, there's a lot of people teaching and I'm like you shouldn't be teaching.
Speaker 2:Yeah, like it's just it's not in me. But long term, I want to be the bridal makeup artist that black brides reach out to, here in Austin, to here in austin, uh-huh, um, I want to be like their go-to bridal makeup artist, because I know it's very hard for them to find us in the austin area.
Speaker 2:Yes, so, and eventually, like, I want to have my own bridal team of makeup artists. So, um, when I do have large parties, I can just have that team of artists who I reach out to to see if they're available to work the wedding and then pay them. So I want to have, like, a team of women of color. Um, so I just think that's important out here.
Speaker 1:That's what we're missing, uh-huh heavy, yeah, lacking in so many different. You know beauty, you know spectrums everywhere.
Speaker 2:Hair, makeup, nails, you know everywhere, yeah and then I just want to get to the point where, um, where I can have a lead makeup artist and I no longer have to be the one going out to the job, working more on the back yes, I'll be more working on the back end, doing the admin and the finances of the business, so that's that's one of my goals. And then, um, also, I do want to open up my own suite so I can rent out those stations, those stations, yeah.
Speaker 1:I think that's a great idea yeah, yeah. If you do decide to push forward with the team, do you have like a set timeline that you working against, or it's like right now you're just trying to still work on, you know, I guess, grooming and perfecting yourself first?
Speaker 2:Yeah, I'm still working on grooming and perfecting myself and I feel like once I do that, then I'll be more ready to create that team. I'm starting to like I'm writing things down, but I feel like I would need to take leadership classes. Amen, look, I've worked under so many people that I know what a good leader is, and what they don't understand.
Speaker 2:It's a skill set, yeah it is, and it's important, um, because if you're not a good leader, then you are gonna be sol. People are not gonna want to work for you. Yeah, that's true. Um, yeah, and I want to make sure that I'm able, I can pay artists a good amount, you know, for the jobs that they do, because I appreciate their work.
Speaker 1:Absolutely. I love it.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Okay. Well, that wraps up our conversation. Raven, thank you so much for allotting some time to spend with us today. I really appreciate your feedback and all the insightful information that you provided for us today. Please share with our listeners listeners like your Instagram handling, your website information or any type of way that they can get in contact with you for makeup inquiries or advice, and all of the above, okay.
Speaker 2:So I am on Instagram Raven Cornwall Beauty. That's R-A-V-E-N-C-O-R-N-W-v-e-n, c-o-r-n-w-a-l-l. Beauty. People be messing up my last name. So bad that's why the? Ad I am. That is, my ads on tiktok, instagram and facebook. My website is wwwravencornwallbeautycom. All right, well, thank you. Thank you, it was nice doing this.
Speaker 1:Absolutely. We've explored the challenges and rewards of balancing a full-time job with entrepreneurial aspirations, and Raven's insights on managing dual roles are truly inspiring. Thank you, raven, for sharing your journey with us and offering such valuable perspectives. If you enjoyed today's episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review and share with anyone who might find it helpful. Until next time, this is Kenetra Stewart, reminding you to keep striving. No-transcript.