Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Marcotte-Stephens.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have always had a passion and love for the art of makeup. I started doing makeup for friends and family around the age of 19. At the time, I was in attending ASU for elementary education. Becoming a makeup artist was never an option, I was always told that college was the only way to go. In my 5th year of teaching Kindergarten, I decided to follow what would end up being my true passion and attended night school at the Skin and Makeup Institute to become an aesthetician. That was an intense 8 months of my life but I have never made a more correct decision. Once, I was properly trained in bridal techniques during my 100-hour makeup training, I then started expanding my clientele, specializing in weddings. I now have been a licensed aesthetician/makeup artist for 10 years.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely has taken time to build up a large client base. I am an aesthetician who specializes in full body waxing, skin care, chemical peels, micro needling and also a makeup artist specializing in weddings. I did not realize that it would take years to have my schedule completely full every week with clients at the salon. I am now to the point where people need to prebook to have their standing appointment with me. It has not always been so easy. Starting out and getting your name out there takes a while. I would advise anyone who is starting their own business in aesthetics or makeup to just connect. Connect with whoever you can. One thing I can remember my makeup teacher, Corinna Bertram, saying is to never ever turn down a job. Even if it is the smallest gig, never say no. You never know who you will meet while you are there working. Also, assist someone if you can, while starting out. You will learn so much by watching another artist work. When I started out, youtube and internet tutorials were not around, so you had to learn from your peers. Another word of encouragement to young women is to always be humble.
No matter how great you are at your craft, always be humble and realize that there is always more to learn. You are never done learning. I work in a salon with 16 other stylists and I constantly love to see the way that they interact with their clients and the amazing transformations that they create. Even though I don’t do hair, there is always something to learn in watching someone else’s art. I also have two young sons now, 2 years old and 8 months old and sometimes it is difficult leaving them for a 12 hour day, but I know that it is worth it and that following your vision and your passion is necessary, even with raising a family.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Makeup by Marcotte – what should we know?
During the weekdays I work at Salon Chic as an aesthetician, specializing in full body waxing, using a hard wax that is gentle on the skin. I also am certified thru PCA skincare and offer their chemical peels. I also microneedle and do brow and lash tinting. I would say that most of my days are full of brow shaping and Brazilian waxing. On the weekends, I do makeup for weddings or different events. I am trained in airbrush foundation and specialize in wedding makeup. I travel on site where the wedding party is getting ready and set up there to do everyone’s makeup, that way you can all be together on the big day! I absolutely love the fact that people choose me to be part of their special day. It is such an honor. The vibe on a wedding day can be so powerful. There are so much love and joy and I just love helping people feel their prettiest on that day.
Do you feel like there was something about the experiences you had growing up that played an outsized role in setting you up for success later in life?
I come from a family of very hard workers. My great-grandfather came to Arizona and started a small cotton farm that ended up expanding to be a very large farm. Both of My grandfathers owned many businesses. As a child , my father owned his own construction company and My mother also started her own successful business. Knowing my history and having an encouraging family that supported me in my decisions to follow my dreams has definitely been a huge part of my success.
Pricing:
- Makeup application $75
- Bridal makeup application $150 (includes trial)
- Eyebrow wax $17
- Brazilian wax $47
- Chemical Peel $70-$90
- Microneedling $250
Contact Info:
- Address: Salon Chic
1375 N. Litchfield Rd Suite 103
Goodyear, AZ 85338 - Website: www.makeupbymarcotte.com
- Email: sarah@makeupbymarcotte.com
- Instagram: MakeupbyMarcotte
- Facebook: Makeup by Marcotte
- Other: www.thesalonchic.com
Image Credit:
Missy Wilson Photography, Nic Dudek Photography
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