Community Highlights: Meet Ambria Cotten of The Makeup Addict

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ambria Cotten.

Hi Ambria, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Before starting The Makeup Addict, I worked in Corporate America for ten years in the human resource field. Although that provided a pretty good standard of living, I always felt that something was missing. I’m a creative at heart so I knew I couldn’t stay in the corporate field. However, I was too afraid to just take that leap. Well three years ago God forced me to take that leap. I was working one part-time job and one full-time job. I was laid off of both of them within a six months period. It’s funny, my last employer told me he knew my heart wasn’t in that job when he laid me off. I remember getting out of my chair and thanking him as I walked out of his office. Although I wasn’t sure what I was going to do next, there was a sense of relief that I had never had before. I had previously started The Makeup Addict about three years prior and would work the business when I had time. After a push from my mother, best friend and boyfriend, I decided to just go for it. Why not?!? My mom told me, “you can always find another job, but you owe it to yourself to go after what you want.” I had some money saved so I chose to live wisely off of that and pursue something more. It took all of my focus and time to build my brand, but it paid off. Within the first year of being full-time in my business, I made six figures. Each year we do close to 300 weddings and this year we’ll pass that mark. We have now expanded into three other cities…Charlotte, Asheville and Wilmington. I’m thankful everyday for that push because it led me to where I am today.

I definitely didn’t know the beauty industry is where I would thrive and it’s not necessarily something I would have initially chosen for me, but I wouldn’t change it. I’m a very simple girl from day to day. I don’t always do my makeup. I love t-shirts and shorts on a warm day. I’m not super big into dress up, but when needed I can definitely glam up!

Being in the wedding industry is fun and certainly fast-paced. It can also be very rewarding as you are that vendor that’s making the bride’s special day everything she has dreamed of.

Within the last year, we have recently expanded our portfolio to opening a wedding venue in downtown Raleigh called “The Venue Raleigh”. This venue is for all brides but will more than likely speak to that bride who loves a mix of industrial and modern with a hint of rustic.

Being in business is not always the easiest because so many people rely on you. At times it can be frustrating and overwhelming. However, you are more than able to do it. The reward is so much greater. The reward isn’t always necessarily money. The reward is also building something that helps so many people beyond just you.

If you have a desire to start a business, do it! Don’t let anyone or anything stop you. You’ll thank yourself later!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. Being able to balance work and your personal life can be extremely difficult because you’re not dealing with one-time customer transactions. This is a bride’s special day so you may be working with her for six months to a year. With that being said, they can contact you at all times of the day and night. You have to learn to set boundaries and expectations for when they will receive a response. This will help you to be able to have time for yourself.

Saying no can be difficult as well, but necessary. You want to do all you can for each bride, but there comes a time when you have to learn to say no. You don’t want to overextend yourself.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about The Makeup Addict?
The Makeup Addict has been in existence for six years. We have teams of artists in Raleigh, Charlotte, Asheville and Wilmington. We provide airbrush makeup and dry styling hair services for weddings. Each year we do close to 300 weddings and this year expect to exceed that number. We are proud that we have built a strong brand that is well-known and respected within the wedding community.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I am a super simple person! Although I am in the makeup industry, I hardly ever do my own makeup. I also am naturally a very shy and quiet person. I’ve developed my business voice so I have no problem talking for as long as needed when I’m working, but when I’m home, I don’t go out a lot. I enjoy being in the house watching movies in my loungewear.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.themakeupaddict.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/themakeupaddictstudios

Image Credits
Rick Crank Photography took my headshot. All other photos were taken by me at the Raleigh Makeup Addict studio