Today we’d like to introduce you to Tarilyn Bowden.
Alright, thank you for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us how you got started?
I started doing makeup 8 years ago. I’ve always loved beauty and fashion. I just never thought about making a career out of it. I received my first professional opportunity in 2015, working at Dillard’s doing makeup with barely any experience. Ever since then, I have never stopped. I relocated to Charlotte in August of 2016 and started working at Dillard’s there. I worked there for a short period to help me build my clientele. In September of 2018, I quit and started doing freelance makeup. I was a full-time school teacher and did makeup on the weekends. I continued to work with my clients that I met from Dillards and gained new ones by word of mouth and social media. This allowed me to grow my brand even more. Many of the teachers I worked with helped me gain clientele because they supported me so much. I did makeup for my coworkers for multiple occasions and it helped me expand my clientele. They supported me wholeheartedly. In 2020 during the pandemic, I had to stop doing makeup, and I took that time to invest in my brand and improve my craft. I continued to do makeup that August and remained pretty steady. Going into the new year, I didn’t know what was to come. Because of everyone’s financial state, I didn’t think that I would still be able to remain busy. So I began looking for part-time jobs on the weekend in place of it. I began to get frustrated because my makeup business wasn’t moving as fast as I wanted, and I couldn’t find a part-time job. The funny thing is that every time I would get frustrated about not finding a job, I would get booked for makeup that entire weekend. This happened for 3 weeks straight in January 2021, and it never stopped. This helped me realize that I needed to take my business more seriously and to the next level. From there on, I continued to be booked every weekend. I think I had 2 weekends off to rest from January to May. I was being referred to do weddings and makeup for all occasions, which allowed me to gain more connections in the Charlotte area. By the end of May 2021, I had made the most I’d ever made while doing makeup, and it was time for some reevaluation. I had made half my 9-5 paycheck doing makeup, which made me wake up to think how far this career would take me. I was currently still a teacher, but I realized how much bigger my brand would be if I took on a less stressful job. at the beginning of June, I had decided that by the end of the summer, I would invest in 2 makeup classes to grow my craft even more and find a less stressful 9-5 job. I took a class in June 2021 with Sanfrandalashfairy and one in August 2021 with Makeup by Jess. After taking those classes, I knew it was time to go full force with my makeup. I resigned from teaching and took on a less stressful job; it was the best decision for me and my business. By the end of 2021, my clientele had grown so large that I was forced to go to school to get a studio that would service all my clients. I started to have limitless inquiries about teaching classes, and it was time for me to obtain my own space. In October 2021, I enrolled in esthetician school, not knowing how I would do it, and I started in February of 2022. By the end of 2021, I had over 50 steady clients and completed at least 5 weddings that year. Once 2022 came, I knew I had to obtain my lifelong dream of having my studio. In September 2022, I’ll be finishing esthetician school. By January 2023, I will be opening up Tarilyn’s glam studio, offering luxury services such as facials, waxing, brow tinting, and makeup services.
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?
This has not been a smooth road for me. I honestly didn’t think I could get to where I am today for a while. With me relocating in 2016 to Charlotte, it took a while to build up my clientele, let alone try to build my kit with quality products. When I got the opportunity at Dillards in Charlotte, I knew I had to use that to my advantage to build up my clientele. While working there, I also tried to build up my kit as much as possible to have quality products because makeup is not cheap. Working in retail makeup allowed me to learn about skin and how to do makeup on all skin tones. Another huge struggle for me was wondering what my business would be like after Covid. In 2020 I spent a lot of time practicing, learning new techniques, and investing in my kit. And I just prayed that my business would continue to prosper. I did not know that 2021 would be my biggest year ever with makeup. To me, 7 is the number of completion and coincidentally 2021 was my 7th year doing makeup. Leaving teaching really allowed me to grow within my craft and I’ve accomplished more this past year than I have in a long time. At times I felt like it took so long to reach where I’m at, but it happened at the perfect time. I never imagined that I would be sitting in the rooms I do now. It took me a while, but I’m so blessed that I’m able to share my craft with others. I hope that others understand it doesn’t matter how long it takes to accomplish it, just do it and never stop.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a makeup artist who specializes in natural makeup. Most of my clients are recurring or first-time makeup wearers who always tell me they want to look like themselves afterwards. Knowing what most of my clients needed allowed me to perfect my craft of doing natural makeup. I’m proud to play a huge part in making women feel beautiful and confident. Many times we as women take care of everyone else and forget about ourselves. This reason alone drives me to pour into women more, and excel at providing them luxury services. I live for the reactions I receive once clients see their makeup, because I love playing a part in restoring one’s confidence. If I can make every woman feel like Beyoncé when they walk out of my chair, I know I’ve done my job. What sets me apart from others is that I have my own makeup style. When I first started, I tried hard to keep up with all of the popular makeup styles. All while realizing that if I just did what I was happy and comfortable with, I would attract the right clientele. I enjoy doing natural looks, and I also like when people trust me to play with color. I express myself through my work, and I love what I do.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I would say my friends, clients, and my family. I have the most supportive circle around me, and they always push me. My clients are so loyal to me and are part of why I was able to attend esthetician school this year. My parents and brother are my biggest supporters. My brother supports me to the fullest because he has invested and believed in me this entire journey. I can tell him my idea, and he’s like, “what can I do to help you.” The passing of both of my grandmother’s has also helped me to persevere, because I know they would be proud of me and what I have accomplished.
Pricing:
- $70 natural face
- $85 natural glam
- $100 glitter glam
- Weddings $650 and up
Contact Info:
- Website: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=20107430
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/tarilynsglamstudio?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/makeupbytarilyn/
Image Credits
Jasmine Thompson Quai Kaylah
