Meet Trailblazer Ashley Watson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Watson.

Ashley, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My first eyeshadow pallet at the age of 12 was when my addiction started. When I was in grade school I would zone out and stare and my teacher and give them a full makeover in my head…not because they were ugly, but because I have always wanted people to live to their best beauty potential. I have been doing makeup professionally for over 20 years. In college, friends would come over and ask me to do their makeup and hair for events and before I knew it I would have a line out the door every weekend. I have always used MAC makeup because it is the most versatile. After getting experience with weddings, photography and print work I applied to the MAC Pro program. The program offers master classes and pro discounts which help keep me up to date with current trends and I can always use a discount!

After working for a non-profit women’s organization for over 22 years I decided it was time for a change. With my background in marketing/advertising and merchandise management, I knew I could sell myself. For the past six months, I have been building up my client base and getting back into doing my one true passion which is to make people the best version of themselves. I always say ” I want to make you look like yourself, but hotter”. I specialize in weddings and makeovers. I like to show people that they are naturally beautiful and you don’t need a lot to feel put together. Now, I do makeup on the weekends and during the week I am free-lance graphic designer for various non-profit organizations.

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’s never easy. If anyone tells you it is, they are a liar. I took a 75% pay cut leaving the corporate world for the self -employment world. There are so many things to think about when venturing out on your own, like insurance, benefits and taxes. Marketing and networking is key but talent is everything. I always say “you can’t teach talent” you either have it or you don’t. My largest clientele base comes from word of mouth. The more faces you touch, the more contacts you make. Always be professional and treat people the way you want to be treated.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Ashley Fair Makeup – what should we know?
“Be the best version of yourself but hotter”. I am known for enhancing your natural beauty instead of covering it up. Makeup can be super scary, it’s all about what to use and when to use it. People hire me because I am professional, talented and I listen. I listen to what my customers want and provide that service for them. My YouTube channel videos reflect what my clients have asked for in tutorials. I do very basic makeup for the everyday person. Of course, I love my glitter and my lashes, but you don’t wear that every day, people want to feel beautiful every day, so show them how to accomplish that look.

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?
Makeup has always been my creative outlet. I have used it to express myself.

I started working in the corporate world when I was 16 and learned a lot about marketing/advertising and business management. Without those skills I wouldn’t be able to run my makeup business today.

Pricing:

• Makeover $75
• 1 Hour instructional Consultation $100
• Group Rates available

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ashleyfairmakeup.com
• Phone: 817-233-2536
• Email: ashleyfairmakeup@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleyfairmakeup/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afwatson
• Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpjT8vklPGwUcCqtsDA-mmg/featured

Image Credit:
@ashleyfairmakeup

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