Victoria Stiles

Victoria Stiles is a makeup artist based in Washington DC working worldwide for various media, celebrities, and events.

Her publication credits include Glamour, Oprah Magazine, Vogue Bambini, Ladies Home Journal, Washingtonian, and Virginia Living Magazine.

Her advertising clients include Revlon, Tigerlilly, Alagasco, and Wal-Mart, while her celebrity clientele has included Jordin Sparks, Star Jones, Roberta Flack, Sabrina Bryan, Gary Sinise, Emmitt Smith, and Universal Music Group Recording Artist Melody Gardot, as well as album cover and promo shots in Paris, France.

Today, Victoria talks with us about how she created her own job doing something she enjoys doing!

TheCareerCreator.com: What is your “job”? Please tell us a bit about your company and what you sell or what service you provide?

Victoria Stiles: I am a makeup artist for various media, celebrities, and events.  In addition to artistry, I am a beauty writer for my blog, www.makeupartistbackstage.com which is a member of www.totalbeauty.com.
My blog gives an insider’s view at life as a makeup artist and a first look at new beauty products and trend.

TheCareerCreator.com: How long have you been in business?

Victoria Stiles: 5 years

TheCareerCreator.com: You had a natural interest in ??? that is now the basis of your job?

Victoria Stiles: At the age of 15, I knew my career path.
Makeup artistry is what I’ve always wanted to do and I’m very happy and thankful to live my dream.

TheCareerCreator.com: Tell us a little about how you got started…give us a bit of your Once upon a time… What was the turning point where you decided to turn your interest or hobby into a career?

Victoria Stiles Makeup Artistry

Victoria Stiles: Since makeup has been my love since a young age, when I started college at George Mason University in Virginia, I applied for work with M.A.C. Cosmetics.

Through M.A.C. I learned about their products and how to work with different clientele.  They gave me opportunities I would not have been able to book on my own at that time, like working on concerts for Cher and Missy Elliot.

Although the work and opportunities were fantastic, after 4 years with the company, I decided it was time to try my hand at freelancing.

In 2004, I started my business, Victoria Stiles Makeup, providing makeup services for brides mostly.  Through a lot of foot work, networking, slow times, and dedication, my business flourished into what it is today!

TheCareerCreator.com: What were some of the materials or technology you needed to get started on a very basic level?

Victoria Stiles: I would say the number one thing to focus on first is branding your business.  Brainstorm and set in motion the particulars of your services or products you are supplying.

Have a set business plan.  Create a logo or have a logo created for you.  From there, you can design your website to fit your brand.  In these times, the Internet is a major networking and marketing tool.

It is important to have a strong on-line presence with a user-friendly website that is also searchable and easy for your clients to locate– particularly through major search engines such as Google and Yahoo or social networking sites such as Twitter (yes Twitter!) and Facebook (they have a fabulous option for a public page which is a popular option for businesses!). Also, in starting any business, visit your local government office for detailed information on business licensing and tax information.

Victoria Stiles Makeup Artistry

TheCareerCreator.com: The best part about creating your own job? (Or any really cool moments that made creating your own job completely worth it?)

Victoria Stiles: You are in complete control.

TheCareerCreator.com: What’s the toughest hurdle you’ve encountered in creating your own job…and how you overcame it?

Victoria Stiles: There are ups and downs, like any business.  During the down times, it is difficult to stay motivated.  Having goals in mind has been the main motivator when it comes to keeping my nose to the grindstone!  Always strive for higher!

TheCareerCreator.com: Any words of wisdom or encouragement to anyone wanting to create their own job?

Victoria Stiles: It will not happen overnight.  However, with hard work and dedication it will happen.

TheCareerCreator.com: Any favorite resources you recommend to other entrepreneurs?

Victoria Stiles: Web/Graphic Design Company
www.saxonycreative.com – they created my brand/website that got me noticed.

More About This Company:
Company Name: Victoria Stiles Makeup
Founder:  Victoria Stiles
Products or service offered: Makeup Artist
Website:  www.victoriastilesmakeup.com
Blog:  www.makeupartistbackstage.com
Twitter:  www.twitter.com/victoriastiles
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/pages/Victoria-Stiles-Makeup-Artist/18710241359

Thanks so much for chatting with us, Victoria! You’ve given our readers some sound advice about how turn to something you love into a job that is a lot of fun!

~TheCareerCreator.com

Photo by Timo Elliott

Let’s face it: you enjoy being the enter of attention.

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