Please introduce yourself and your business.

Hello! I am Kristi Martinson, owner and lead artist of Makeup By Kristi Lynn soon to be co-owner of WINK Hair and Makeup Team with Krystal Lehman! We are a team of professionally trained hair and makeup artists that specialize in wedding and event hair and makeup.

Why did you start your creative small business?

Makeup By Kristi Lynn started in 2009 because I had such a passion for making women look and feel confident and beautiful, but also for the artistry and creativity of makeup. I am an artist and I love that every canvas isn’t the same. Every face, every set of eyes, every mouth has a different shape and color. I love constantly learning how to enhance natural beauty and teaching what I know to clients and other artists.

What does an average day look like for you? What things/responsibilities are you juggling?

7-7:30a- Wakeup, check emails, see if there are any anniversaries for past clients.

7:30-7:45a- Try to roll out of bed (I am NOT a morning person!)

7:45a-12p- Play dates, errands, & dance parties

12-2p- NAP TIME!! Catch up on emails & phone calls, map out trials, schedule artists with weddings, double check wedding and photo shoot dates with artist schedules

2p-7:30p- nature walks, play dates, art projects (I love painting with my daughter), more errands or house work.

7:30p-11:30- Check emails, schedule appointments, work on rebranding, research new trends and techniques, put together invoices and wedding timelines, triple and quadruple check wedding and photo shoot dates with artist schedules, various administrative work.

11:30p- Try to go to sleep...but I usually end up sending out more emails or watching makeup videos.

What has been a struggle for you as a creative small business owner?

When my daughter was born in 2014, I was able to quit cosmetic retail and focus on raising my daughter and re- launching my business. It was terrifying leaving a steady job with benefits without knowing for certain if I was going to make it. Everyday in the beginning was a struggle. Last year I had to reintroduce myself to the wedding world because I had taken myself out of it for 3 years. The first 3 months of 2015 I didn’t get any inquires, I had nothing booked for the upcoming year and I almost gave up. But one day, I got an inquiry for a wedding. Then one day I got booked. By the end of the year I had done over 40 weddings, 2 album covers, several commercial, boudoir, and head shot shoots all by myself. I still cannot believe how blessed I have been.

Everyday is still a struggle, but it’s a new kind of struggle. Last year my struggle was keeping afloat. This year my struggle is learning to be organized not just for myself, but my team and

finding that balance of working and being a wife and mother. I love the struggles that this year has brought me.

What has been a joy for you as a creative small business owner?

I have had so many joys as a business owner; it’s hard to narrow them down. One of the best feelings professionally is seeing my work make a woman blossom and come alive when she looks at herself in the mirror. So many women sit in my chair and immediately begin telling me what they believe is wrong with them. My goal is to make those insecurities disappear and show her the beauty everyone else already sees.

Also, seeing my work featured on wedding blogs and in magazines always gives me butterflies. That is definitely a joy that puts a huge smile on my face and bounce in my step.

What productivity tips do you have for my readers?

I recently discovered 17 Hats and I have quickly become obsessed. It has definitely helped organize my life. Other than that, create a schedule for yourself and keep to it.

What resources or tools have helped you in your business?

Other people that know the business and have been doing what I want to do for years have been a huge help. I am amazed that so many people have been open with sharing their knowledge and experience with me. I have learned more about marketing and building my business from a handful of fellow wedding vendors than I would have anywhere else. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate everyone that has helped me along the way.

What tips do you have for readers who have (or want to start) a creative small business?

Introduce yourself to everyone, give everyone a business card, and get one in return. Utilize your fellow creatives. They hold so much knowledge and are happy to share what they have learned from past mistakes and victories to you. You just have to reach out.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with my readers?

My only other pearl of wisdom I have for anyone looking to start their own small business is to surround yourself with people you trust and get along with well. I love the women I work beside and I chose my team based on how talented they are, how willing they are to learn and take criticism, and if I liked them as a person. As a result, I love what I get to do and whom I get to do it with. Their successes are my successes and visa versa.

We’ll end on a light note: What is your favorite clothing store?

It’s so difficult for me to shop in an actual store with an almost 2 year old that has no idea what it’s like to sit still. Since having my daughter, I have become an online shopping addict. I could spend hours looking through Revolve Clothing. And Nordstrom. I could do some serious damage in Nordstrom.