Alright, my fellow glam squad member, let’s talk business plans. Don’t roll your eyes—I promise this is gonna be fun. Think of it as creating the ultimate face chart… but for your career. And no, you don’t need a fancy MBA or a three-piece suit for this (though if you’ve got a killer blazer, feel free to rock it while you plan).
Why Even Bother with a Business Plan?
Okay, you’ve got talent. You can snatch a brow, blend like a pro, and your winged liner? Sharp enough to cut someone. But talent alone won’t book you gigs or build a thriving business. That’s where a business plan comes in. It’s like your map to makeup mogul status. Without it, you’re just wandering around Sephora without a shopping list (and we all know how that ends… broke and confused).
So grab a coffee, a notebook, and maybe a snack (because snacks make everything better), and let’s get this plan sorted.
Step 1: Define Your Vision (aka Your Big, Fabulous Dream)
Close your eyes for a sec. Picture your dream makeup career. Are you doing celebrity red carpets? Running your own studio? Maybe you’re the go-to bridal MUA in your town. Whatever it is, WRITE. IT. DOWN.
Don’t be shy. Go big with your dreams—the bigger, the better. Write something like: “I want to be the most sought-after MUA in the wedding industry, earning $10k+ per month.” Manifest that energy, babe.
Step 2: Know Your Niche
You can’t be everything to everyone… unless you’ve discovered how to clone yourself (and if you have, spill the tea). Pick a niche you’re passionate about. Bridal? Editorial? Special effects? Instagram transformations?
Think about what makes you happiest. If the thought of being elbow-deep in glitter gives you hives, maybe skip festival makeup. Stick to what lights your soul on fire.
Step 3: Research, Research, Research
I know… homework sucks. But trust me, this part is gold. Look at other MUAs in your area. What’re they charging? What’s their vibe?
What You’re Looking For:
Gaps in the market: Is there a lack of affordable bridal packages? Not enough MUAs who work with mature skin?
Inspiration: Not to copy, but to see what’s working.
And hey, while you’re at it, start stalking (ahem, researching) your dream clients. Check out their social media, see what they’re into, and figure out how you can wow them.
Step 4: Set Some Goals (The Fun Kind)
Let’s make it official. Break down your big dream into smaller, bite-sized goals.
Examples:
- Create a killer portfolio by shooting 5 styled looks in the next 2 months.
- Book 3 paying clients this month (even if it’s your cousin’s bestie).
- Build an Instagram page that slays (post 3x per week and engage with followers).
Make your goals specific and realistic. “Go viral on TikTok” is a fun idea, but “Post a new makeup tutorial every Thursday” is way more actionable.
Step 5: Money Talks (Don’t Skip This)
Alright, let’s talk cash. I know budgeting isn’t sexy, but you need to know your numbers. Figure out:
Startup costs: Brushes, kit upgrades, website, business cards.
Pricing: Decide what to charge (and don’t sell yourself short, okay?).
Income goals: How much do you need to make monthly to cover your bills and, y’know, live your best life?
Start tracking everything—from the cost of that new foundation palette to your earnings from gigs. It’ll save you headaches (and maybe tears) come tax time.
Step 6: Market Yourself Like a Boss
You could be the next Pat McGrath, but if no one knows about you, it doesn’t matter. Marketing is key.
Some Ideas to Get You Started:
Instagram: Post your work, show BTS (people LOVE a peek behind the scenes), and engage with followers.
Networking: Hit up bridal expos, hairstylists, and photographers. Team up with them to cross-promote.
Website: Keep it simple, clean, and easy to navigate. Think: portfolio, pricing, contact info.
Word of mouth is gold. Treat every client like royalty, and they’ll rave about you to everyone they know.
Step 7: Stay Consistent (But Be Kind to Yourself)
This is the hardest part, but also the most important. Success doesn’t happen overnight (ugh, I wish). Show up, put in the work, and keep learning. But also, give yourself grace. Burnout isn’t cute.
The Pep Talk You Didn’t Know You Needed
Listen, starting a makeup artist business is no joke. There’ll be moments when you feel like throwing your brushes out the window. But remember why you started. You’ve got something special—a talent, a vibe, a vision—and the world deserves to see it.
So take a deep breath, grab your notebook, and start building that plan. One step at a time. You’ve got this, babe. Now go slay.
