We had the good fortune of connecting with Makeup by Holly B Partners and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Holly, how do you think about risk?
I believe, in order to be a successful entrepreneur, one needs to take risks. There is no roadmap to success nor is there a blueprint. Therefore, risks have to be taken to see what will yield results and success.
When I started my business in 2012, I was working full time in healthcare. I built my business alongside my corporate job, as I worked 60+ hours a week, and traveled around the country. When I could no longer sustain the hectic work schedules of my business and my corporate role, I resigned. It was a risk, but it was one that paid off, because in the first year of pursuing my business full time, I quadrupled my corporate salary.
I constantly take risks in my career because I like proving to myself that I can do something I haven’t done before, and go places perhaps, others haven’t gone before. I feel validated when I take risks that pay off. Even those that don’t pay off, I give myself grace for attempting them. Without taking risks, we don’t always know what we are capable of doing.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a Certified Makeup Instructor and I own a talent agency that works exclusively with creatives.
I think what sets me apart from others is my corporate background. I spent over 20 years specializing in Sales, Marketing, Communications and Business Development. When I resigned from my corporate role, I wanted to pursue a business that would allow me to utilize everything in my toolkit. I have a passion for Beauty and my desire is to encourage our clients to be beautiful, bold, confident and empowered. I also wanted to dispel the myths that creatives aren’t professional and educated.
I am most proud that I created an agency that showcases each creative’s artistic abilities, as well as their professionalism and intelligence. We focus on professional development and continuing education, to ensure they are continuously in demand.
I got to where I am today professionally because I am an incredibly hard worker who is always seeking knowledge and opportunities. I am always thinking about ways to do more for the creatives we represent and the clients we serve.
It was never easy, nor is it easy now. Every day is a new day with new experiences. The life of an entrepreneur isn’t easy; its not for the faint at heart. There are many sacrifices that we make with our personal lives, as well as professionally. It’s not easy, but it is worth it.
I overcome challenges by remembering why I started the business in the first place. I started because I wanted professional freedom. Freedom to make my own decisions. Freedom to prove that I am successful. The bonus is a created an agency that allows others to be successful as well.
The lessons learned along the way are I can’t do this business alone. It takes a team to grow together, to support and encourage one another. I have a motto, “We are stronger together”. I honestly believe, we can go further together in the Beauty industry and as entrepreneurs, if we support and encourage one another. There is enough work for all of us. It’s not a competition, but it should be community over competition.
I want the world to know that Makeup by Holly B Partners (MBHBP) is an agency that supports, encourages, and develops creatives. Each and every one of our hairstylists, makeup artists, wardrobe stylists, videographers and photographers are top-tier artists who are professional, talented and passionate about elevating the Beauty industry, and, MBHBP does it with professionalism, style and class.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting the area, I would take her to Southern Kitchen for breakfast. The food is exquisite, and the owner is personable and professional. Then we would go to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts to see the art exhibits, followed by lunch at Amuse (the restaurant located within the museum). We would take the scenic route along the James River and stop by Soulidifly Productions to watch national actors make movies for the big screen. We would then travel to the Night Market to patronize local artisans, followed by dinner and wine at C’est La Vin. We would wrap up the night with live jazz at The Garage. All events take place right here in my beautiful city of Richmond, VA.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to shoutout my husband, Floyd Miller, II for giving me daily guidance and support. In this role as the President and CEO of the Metropolitan Business League www.thembl.org, he is responsible for providing resources and support to small, women and minority entrepreneurs. I am fortunate that he gives me tough love, support and mentorship on a daily basis.
He understands the unique needs of minority entrepreneurs and works tirelessly day in and day out to ensure we have everything we need to be start, grow and sustain our business. He and his staff are committed to our success.
Website: www.makeupbyhollyb.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeupbyholly/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/makeup-by-holly-b-b2020053/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/holly.b.miller1
Image Credits
Raleigh Desper Tiffany Sigmon