Services and Retail
What is the best part about working with makeup in the spa industry?
I get to be creative! I love being able to work outside the box and show someone how they can easily enhance their natural beauty with just a few products. I overall enjoy making women feel more confident about how they look!
When did you decide to implement makeup services into your spa menu?
I decided once I graduated and started to work on my own that I wanted to learn how to do airbrush makeup. There were only a handful of artists in Nebraska offering airbrush makeup at the time and luckily many brides were willing to take a chance on me and let me use them to build my portfolio.
What approaches did you take to implement these services?
In order to get the ball rolling with makeup on my menu I offered really good discounts to brides and also worked with family and friends who let me take photographs of them for my portfolio.
Which of your makeup services is the most popular?
My most popular makeup services are my airbrush bridal makeup and my lash lifting and tinting services. I was one of the first people in Nebraska to offer these services and for the last year our success has been phenomenal. Lash lifting and tinting is a great and easy service that is really profitable! It only takes about 45 minutes per client and the results are immediate and dramatic. It truly is a game changer in the beauty industry.
MAKEUP AREA
Describe your makeup area.
When we originally signed the lease on our space it was a car wash! We converted the three bays of the car wash into three different suites. My makeup area is located inside the room where I also perform esthetic services. I set up all my makeup supplies and equipment at the back of the room where I have access to two large windows. Natural light is a must! On gloomy days I make sure to set up my glamour light. My esthetician/makeup room is actually half of the whole spa so I am fortunate enough to have a large space.
TEAM MEMBERS
How do you select your makeup artists?
I am a one-woman show when it comes to makeup artistry in my spa. I occasionally hire independent makeup artists to join me during wedding season.
What specific qualities do you look for when bringing a makeup artist on board?
When hiring makeup artists I really focus on how punctual they are. They can execute a flawless, fierce contour, but if they can’t show up on time and ready to go then none of that matters to me. Personality is also very important! I need to know that our clients can be comfortable talking to our makeup artists about any concerns they may have. Finally, they must be confident! If you don’t believe in yourself, you can’t expect anyone else to either.
How do you keep members of your staff incentivized?
An incentive I offer my makeup artists is a guaranteed 20 percent tip of the total amount they earned while doing makeup. That may seem like a no brainer to some makeup artists, but in the Midwest we don’t always get tipped. I also provide mileage pay if my makeup artists are traveling from out of town.
MARKETING
How do you promote your makeup services?
I promote my services on Facebook, my website and by using a few online advertising companies. Because I have been doing makeup for awhile now, word of mouth is also a great method of promotion for me! I am sure to talk to each of my clients about our other services that may interest them after each appointment. To promote my services directly in the spa, I hang up flyers to showcase our makeup services that not all of our clients may know about.
INSIDER TIPS
What trends are you currently seeing in the industry?
Eyebrows and eyelashes are really in right now! Most of my brides are going for a softer romantic feel, which I think is timeless. I have also noticed people are starting to be more experimental with trying bold lip colors.
How do you perform consultations?
I make sure to set a few minutes aside to perform consultations prior to each of my appointments. I ask my clients to bring in pictures of ideas they may have and we discuss what is best for them from there.
Do you have rituals or methods of creating positive energy in your spa?
I think in order to exude a positive energy into the spa, you must be the main source of the positivity. No matter what is going on in your personal life you must make that environment and experience amazing for each and every client. If you are distracted it can be very obvious and off-putting.
What does your business do that is UNIQUE from the competition?
I pride myself on spacing my clients out so nobody ever has to wait in the reception area for me. I also make it a point to remember key things about each of my clients, which makes them feel more comfortable and connected.
What advice would you pass along to other spa owners or those just starting to offer makeup services in their spa?
My advice to anyone wanting to offer something new is to just do it! You will never know until you try. Also, it is a must to make sure everyone is properly trained for the service they provide and to follow the laws in your particular state. Overall, I see so many people that don’t have enough confidence in themselves to try new things, but how will you ever be great at something if you don’t first give it a try?
A one-woman makeup show with Amanda Banghart, co-owner, esthetician and makeup artist at Spa De Da in Lincoln, Neb.
