Meet Talisha McGaugh of Primped and Polished in Plano

Today we’d like to introduce you to Talisha McGaugh.

Talisha, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’ve been a makeup artist for over 7 years. I had a strong banking and sales background and was honestly just looking for a hobby to fill some spare time. I had no cosmetics experience yet I was offered a position at the Clinique counter within a Younkers department store in Omaha, Nebraska. I remember just being thrown right into the action. I started in the middle of gift with purchase or “bonus days.” The counter was so overwhelmingly busy that I didn’t have the opportunity to receive training prior to my first shift. The only thing better than makeup is free makeup! There were women wrapped around the counter, makeovers in session, and then there’s me with brushes in hand praying that the look I was implementing would somehow come together in the end because it wasn’t looking very promising in the beginning. Somehow, I survived and grew quite fond of making women feel beautiful. Clinique also gave me a strong foundation of the skin and how to address problems/concerns. After a little over a year of really honing my artistry, I ventured into the bridal industry. Watching women celebrate their big day was rewarding in ways unimaginable. Bridal makeup will always have a special place in my heart! Four years of my career were devoted solely to the bridal industry. I moved to Texas three years ago, studied the histology and physiology of the skin, obtained my esthetics license, and set out to offer women solutions that go beyond the temporary approaches of makeup coverups. Not only do I offer facials, waxing, and makeup artistry I’m also certified in eyelash extensions. I’ve always been infatuated with the impact that eyelashes have on the overall appearance of the face.

Has it been a smooth road?
I once read that people assume entrepreneurism is a straight ride to the top, but it’s really a series of ups and downs. My journey has been no different. I accepted a freelance makeup artist position with MAC Cosmetics prior to moving to Dallas from Omaha. During the hiring process, I was guaranteed 30 hours per week, but that isn’t how freelancing works. As a freelancer, nothing is guaranteed. At first it was hard finding hours. After a few months of little to no work, I had depleted my savings. I’m a single mother so that was scary. After a while of working for different counters, I was able to establish relationships and could choose to accept hours at the stores I enjoyed working with. I spent a lot of time at Dillards Northpark. I absolutely loved the dynamic of their counter. Things were going great, but no one prepared me for the lack of freelance hours after the first of the year, bummer! I was back to square one. It was then that I decided to study esthetics. My school schedule didn’t align with the available hours that MAC was looking to fill so I had to figure out how I was going to study and still feed my 5-year-old. I ended up working from home for Neiman Marcus during the evenings and studying at Paul Mitchell the School Dallas during the day. Oh boy was it challenging! I’d work from 10pm – 6am and have to be in class from 8am – 5pm. I was tired, but I kept the end in mind. After I obtained my license, I went on to do lashes for a lash franchise. It gave me the experience I needed to perfect my craft, but I knew that I hadn’t sacrificed so much to barely maintain financially. I set out on my own, built my clientele (another challenging feat), and now operate independently in a salon suite in Plaza Park Salons off of Park Blvd. and Preston Rd. My space reflects my personality, my clients are amazing, and my work is my passion. I’d say I’m right where I’m supposed to be and it took every obstacle to get me here! I can appreciate that.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
Primped and Polished is a full-service esthetics spa. Our offerings include facials, waxing, makeup artistry, and eyelash extensions. We pride ourselves on working with the utmost integrity. There are certainly times when a client’s wants may not align with what they need. We operate with a high level of honesty. Being able to effectively communicate realistic expectations differentiates us from our competition. In all that we do our top priority is to maintain the integrity of the skin as well as the natural lashes.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Dallas and surrounding areas are a great place to start a business in the beauty industry. When they say everything is bigger in Texas they mean it! The women are absolutely fabulous! To someone starting out I’d tell them to put their best face forward and network. Don’t compare yourself to others just focus on your offerings.

Pricing:

• $175 Full-Set Classic Eyelash Extensions
• $85 1 Hour Rejuvenation Facial
• $65 Special Occassion Makeup Application
• $20 Eyebrow Wax

Contact Info:

• Address:  4909 W. Park Blvd #157, Ste 16,
  Plano, TX 75093
• Website: www.primpedandpolished.com
• Phone: 469-278-8527
• Email: talisha@primpedandpolished.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primpedandpolishedonline/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PrimpedandPolishedOnline/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/primped-and-polished-plano

Image Credit:
Ruby Ella Photography
Artistic Emages
Memorable Occasions Photography

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