Introduction

Wow. I just realized that I haven't taken much time to introduce myself on this blog.
I'm Erin, I live in Minnesota, I'm 20 years old. I'm a licensed cosmetologist without a job.
I've always had a passion for the beauty industry and after high school I decided to take it a step further and enroll in the cosmetology program at the Aveda Institute Minneapolis.
I took class there from January 2011-January 2012. After that I was completely broke and moved back with my parents about 2 hours away from Minneapolis. I'm currently looking for a steady job while doing some freelance work on the side.
I do my family and friends hair, and I've been getting more and more interested in makeup.
I hope to keep you guys and gals updated as I continue my journey through the world of beauty.
If anybody has any questions about anything from cosmetology school, the industry in general, products I've used, Aveda, whatever... I'm totally willing to help you out!
-Erin

Clinique Interview

So I had my Clinique/Herbergers interview on Friday, I think it went pretty well.
I was pretty nervous because I don't have a lot of sales experience and having a passion for makeup isn't always going to make a sale. However, I think I would succeed in a sales environment.
The manager was really nice. She took me to her office then started the interview by watching a video to get a feel for the job. After the video she interviewed me, and asked a few questions I wasn't necessarily expecting. She asked me a lot of situation specific situations. Like "describe a situation with a difficult customer and how you handled it" "describe a time when you provided great customer service". Maybe I should have been prepared for those types of questions, but I've interviewed with plenty of jobs that haven't asked those. I even interviewed with a full service salon and they didn't ask me those kind of questions. Same with a marketing firm I worked with. So I guess I thought a department store interview would be about the same/ easier. WRONG. It was probably the most difficult interview I've had. And I've done a technical interview at a salon where a manager watches you perform services as the interview. That was way more laid back than this. So basically Clinique/Estee Lauder is going to do an over the phone interview with me they call Talent Plus. I'm pretty nervous for that, but I've been preparing.
So here's my overview of information about this job so far:
PROS
You get to work in a sales driven environment
You get paid training and advanced training from Clinique
You get gratis
You make base plus commission, the more you sell the more you make
You get to work with makeup and skincare
You get to perform makeovers on customers
You get a great discount throughout the entire department store
CONS
Very strict dress code- All black, shirt must be above collar bone, no jewelry except earrings that need to be smaller than the buttons on your jacket, natural hair and makeup. (I went into the beauty industry to have the freedom to do my hair/makeup how I like and wear my jewelry, etc...It's supposed to be less conservative)
The commission is very lousy. An experienced salesperson is expected to make an extra $2/hour from commission.
Wages start low as it is 7.50-8 dollars an hour (I was making more than that at Panera Bread)
Somewhat stressful job. You need to make and exceed your sales goals.

I'm just waiting for my phone interview from Talent Plus to hopefully get the ball rolling.
In other news, I'm starting to plan out my professional makeup kit. This is something I really want to pursue.
I would love to do editorial work, bridal work, fashion, runway, prom, special events, etc. So I really want to get my freelance career going, and I can't really do that without a kit! There's an agency in my area who works with freelance artists and gets us bridal gigs. I also plan to contact photographers to get my portfolio started since that is huge in this industry. And of course, searching for whatever gigs I can in my area!

Got a lot on my plate for now, wish me luck :)
-Erin

Makeup

I have always been obsessed with beauty. I'd rather spend my money on nice makeup and hair products than go out for the night.

Lately I've been obsessed with one thing: makeup. More specifically MAC makeup.

I spend all my free time on the computer watching videos by MAC artists, fantasizing about my next purchase, oogling over the new trends I love.

I think it's finally time to take the leap and start building up a professional makeup kit. 

My first step will be to apply for the MAC pro discount- why don't I already have this?!

I've already completed cosmetology school and am licensed, so it should be easy enough.

Then I'm going to need to build my kit. I will need brushes, applicators, cleansers, eyelash curlers, cases, business cards, and of course, makeup. I need to remember to stick to basics for now, but I'm always so distracted by the avantgarde work on the runway. This is gonna get costly. I'll need different shades of foundations, concealers, powders, blushes, bronzers, shadows, liners, lipsticks, glosses- you name it.

I have the money in savings, but I'm going to need to start generating income if I spend my savings...

I'm lucky enough that my parents let me move back home. I feel like it's now or never.

I never want to get settled in to a job, I'm always seeking change.

I feel like working as a freelance artist will help me to do this in a healthy way.

Not to mention, a salon job has never been my first choice. I love having freedom.

I already have a gig lined up but I don't have a kit yet! I'm hoping since it's just my sister and her friends I will be working on, I won't have to worry too much about it- especially since I'm doing it for free :p

I have plenty of my own makeup already, I just need more!

The thing that scares me about this industry is not always having steady paying work.

I'll probably need to find another job to be able to make some money at first.

Any of you established makeup artists out there- I'd love to hear your stories for some inspiration.

Also any advice you can share is greatly appreciated.

-Erin