Q: First, thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to share your insights. I know weekends are a busy time for you
A: The busiest. The beauty industry is not nine-to-five by any means. G&E Kouture spends its weekends at runway events, fashion shows, pageants, weddings, proms, and even backstage at off-Broadway theaters. It all happens on nights and weekends, but everyone knows that how it goes. We live for it
Q: You've built G&E into a successful skin care and beauty consulting business. What can you share about the journey?
A: Students at cosmetology school need to be willing to sacrifice their time to work up a clientele. I've lived in this area for years and rely heavily on my contacts to bring in new business. And I took on every job that came my way, some without pay, just to build my portfolio. If there was a special event in town, I was there to market my talents
A: I started while I was a student at the beauty academy, visiting salons and day spas, asking for freelance work. I picked up a few proms by posting flyers with photos of my work. Then a wedding here and there. I attended, and still do, every trade show, every fashion show, and traveled constantly between Washington D.C. and New York City. I am an active member of the Chamber of Commerce and attend as many of its networking events as possible
A: The challenge of coming up with different techniques and looks. Every person's look is so different that I can't help but get excited about the creativity involved. I get really energized seeing the look on someone's face when they look in the mirror after a makeover
