Focus On: Dori-Anne, freelance makeup artist in New Jersey

I believe in a world where we cheer one another on and we don’t see any other entrepreneur as a competitor. (It’s why I love the Rising Tide Society so much!) I love when I see other business owners support one another and I can’t possibly count all of the times I’ve been inspired or motivated by another business owner. It can be a lonely world, sitting in a corner of your home, balancing the roles of parenthood, wife, photographer, creative and just overall human with obligations to friends and the house and hobbies and passions. It feels a lot less lonely when you celebrate all the other people who get it.

Today’s Focus On is a spotlight on Dori-Anne, a freelance makeup artist in New Jersey. Enjoy this peek into her business, her balance and her dreams. Be sure to follow her, cheer her on and stay tuned for more entrepreneur spotlights every two weeks.

Introduce yourself!

I’m Dori Newton from Hazlet, NJ. Dori Newton is a freelance makeup artist offering Special Occasion, Bridal, Prom Makeup. I’m all about making women look and feel their very best while teaching basic principles of makeup application. I create makeup looks that enhance a woman’s natural beauty and assets, not cover them up.

When did you start your business? What inspired you to do this?

About two years ago, I started doing makeup application again, but I have 10 years experience doing makeup for special events prior to having children. I was inspired to start freelancing when I saw what other artists were doing. I wanted to do makeup that embraced womens’ natural beauty and imperfections. So many artists try to cover with makeup, rather than enhance assets.

About how many hours a week would you say you spend on your business? What are some of the behind-the-scenes things that your business requires that people may not realize?

It varies greatly! In makeup, we have peak seasons, like wedding season and prom season. Those are the busy times. During peak, I average about 12 hours per week doing trials, communicating with clients and self promotion. Then on weekends, I average about seven hours doing applications and traveling.

In addition, to freelance makeup, I also work for a company called Maskcara Beauty. I color match clients based on their skin tone, makeup needs and skin concerns. I average about five hours per week meeting clients for color matches.

On a scale of 1-10, how balanced would you say you are between your work and family/personal life?

Before starting my business, I was a freelance PR Executive and worked from home. I made my own schedule and that experience really helped me learn balance. Right now, I’d say I’m about an 8. I only check email three times a day. I created a daily schedule and routine on my Google Calendar. I work in two-hour shifts, so I will work for two hours, close my computer and then handle housework, chores, kid duty, cook dinner etc. It also helps that my husband is extremely hands on with our children and helps A LOT! We have two children with special needs, so they are a little more needy and less independent than most kids.

What would you say is the biggest challenge in owning your own business?

Finances! Separating finances has been challenging. I recently opened a no-interest credit card and only use it for business purchases (product, gas, travel, etc). It also helps during tax season as well!

What has been your proudest moment/greatest victory as an entrepreneur?

Oddly enough, when my clients cry. I know that sounds crazy, but when my clients cry tears of joy, it’s the most beautiful compliment. I strive to make women feel their most beautiful and when they look in the mirror after their makeover, they are sometimes really emotional.

What is the hardest part of being a business owner?

My children don’t really understand what I do. They do not see me leave for an office like their father, so they don’t understand “working from home”. My son sees me on my phone or computer and just assumes I’m playing a game!

How important is it to you to support other entrepreneurs and business owners? What are some ways that you try to do this?

VERY! My husband/s parents were small business owners as well so we always shop small. Whether we are shopping for home appliances or christmas presents, we always shop small.