Mon, May 28, 2012, 11:30 AM EDT - U.S. Markets closed for Memorial Day

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First Person: Setting Up My Home Makeup Business

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A home makeup business is a creative, yet lucrative idea open to both men and women. Since I knew the difference between a kabuki brush from an eye definer tool, I thought a makeup biz might be the right choice. When I first started in the makeup business, I didn't know what to expect or how my business should be organized. Today, with a decade of experience under my belt, I know exactly how this home business should be built. I started my small, one-woman company with good organization, the proper inventory and reliable systems.

I decided what my goals were for my home business. I didn't just open my business and hope for the best. In my experience, this leads to frustration because unrealistic goals are never reached. I established real goals and treated my business, like a business. Since then, I've coached many women to start with a small goal like earning an extra $1000 a month and helped larger businesses choose goals like building a larger customer base. Have goals for the next month, three months and at least one year. It is always smart to have a business plan too.

I asked myself tough questions about the operation of my business. Some of those were, "What will my business look like? Will it be a mobile makeup business that performs bridal services on site? Will it be a small salon in the basement of my home? I decided what hours and days I would work at my business. How much time am I willing to put into my home business? How much capital do I have and how much do I need? I must warn you that the vision for your business may change as you enter the local business arena. Each area has specific needs that effect these operational choices.

I called my local licensing agency and inquired about home business licenses. I applied for and received the licenses necessary to operate my business.Fortunately for me, the franchise for which I work handles a lot of this for me. I received an annual consultant license that allows me to sell my products from just about anywhere.

I picked an area to store and display my inventory. I chose a place that maintained a cool temperature and protected the products from damage. I set up an inventory system for tracking my incoming and outgoing products. Once I had completed done this, I ordered products. I hate losing inventory or misplacing it, reordering it, then finding it later in a closet.

I choose the product line that best suited my needs. My focus was on eye makeup artistry, so I stocked up on that type of makeup. I bought wholesale products and sold them at a retail price. I have heard that some companies require you to have special permission to purchase a wholesale license to get a good deal on products.

I set up my first appointments. I started with family and friends to build my confidence. I offered a free makeup session and demonstrate my favorite and latest products. My first appointments were with 30 of my closest friends. After that, I had the confidence I needed to reach out to strangers.

 

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