Business Profile: Molly Curran • Make-up Artistry

Name: Molly Hamilton-Curran
Business: Molly Curran • Make-up Artistry
Business address: Kara’s Nails, Unit E 11a, Omagh Enterprise Centre
Contact: mhamiltoncurran@gmail.com

Can you describe your business?

I am a make-up artist by trade and provide a number of services. Most popular would be make-up applications for a variety of occasions, ranging from night-out applications, wedding and formal guests to photography shoots for engagements and birthdays.  I am also available for 1-2-1 or 2-2-1 lessons, which are always so enjoyable and I can also learn a thing or two! I cater for all ages, and love the inclusivity make-up has.

Why did you start your own business?

Starting my own business seemed like a natural progression from working in the brilliant Couture Hair salon and I’m delighted I took the step. I wanted to have more control over my career and what it could bring for my future. It has definitely been challenging, but the past two years have whizzed past, which is always a good sign. It really all started from one MAC palette and three MAC eye-shadow brushes in my upstairs bathroom, and here we are now! So a big shout out to all my first clients, a lot of whom had some questionable purple eyeshadow painted on them!

What are the best things about running your own business?

I love meeting new people and conversing with them, my clients always have great stories and it’s so interesting to hear other thoughts and opinions. I also love how different everyone is, no two clients are the same and I find it so refreshing. As well as that, seeing the same faces reappear is always so rewarding and makes me feel honoured that they trust me enough to return to my business. Clients may not realise how much we appreciate them, but without all my beautiful clients I wouldn’t be on this page! I leave work feeling happy and fulfilled, and hope my clients leave me feeling the same way! 

What are the main challenges facing the business?

I think one of the main challenges can be trying not to compare yourself to other people and businesses in your trade. Everyone will experience a quiet week or two, which can leave you overthinking if it’s all it’s cracked up to be, and then all of a sudden work picks up and you remember why you began in the first place. You definitely have to have a positive outlook for your business, and try not to let the pressure get to you. The work you do will outshine the challenges! 

What advice would you give to someone starting a business?

The advice I would give to anyone who is considering opening their own business is to make sure you really have a passion for your career and for the drive it takes to work for yourself. Your blood sweat and tears will go into growing and taking care of your business (even the boring stuff needs attention), and you have to know that it’s something you’re willing to work at but also love at the same time. I’ve never fallen out of love with being a make-up artist, even with the pressures of social media and the likes – I find it more of an inspiration than something to compare myself to. Be willing to try new things and open to ideas from other people – don’t shut anything down just because someone else isn’t doing it, and take on advice from people who you trust the most as they will only have your best interests at heart. 

Can you describe your experience of running a business in three words or less?

Productive, inspiring and enjoyable.