Meet Terri Watson, owner of Terri Watson Beauty from Decatur, Georgia, who currently resides in Atlanta. She started her career as a makeup artist in 2016 and hasn’t looked back since.
Terri Watson
How did you get started in your industry?
I was in college and needed a job. So I got a job at a makeup kiosk in Douglasville, Ga (near my university), worked there for a month, and soon decided that I would do this for myself. That’s when my first business was born. “Make Me Fabulouss,” which eventually transitioned into The Fabulouss Experience.. and then what it is now Terri Watson Beauty.
Growing up, did you imagine being an entrepreneur?
Absolutely not. I actually had plans to be a marine biologist up until 12th grade. I had a love for animals!
In the beginning stages of developing your brand/business, what was your biggest struggle and how did you overcome it?
My biggest struggle was believing in myself. I know that sounds cliche, but faith is the driving force for action. Most times, I wasn’t making moves because I didn’t have faith.
Do you feel like you are pursuing purpose? If so, how did you know this was your purpose?
I sure do. I initially went to college for education and soon changed my major because I thought it wasn’t for me. But then God tapped me on the shoulder earlier this year and said, “You need to teach.” So, I transitioned to educating makeup artists (MUAs) in January of 2021.
Please tell us about Terri Watson Beauty?
Terri Watson Beauty is an education platform for MUAs who are ready to stop short-changing themselves and attract higher-paying clients.
What is the best part of Terri Watson Beauty? What keeps you motivated to keep going?
The best part of Terri Watson Beauty is the impact. I never thought that I could help people in the capacity that I REALLY wanted to, but it’s happening & makeup artists are hitting their money goals. Helping makeup artists believe in themselves and seeing their “ah-ha” moments in real-time is the most motivating part of it all.
As an entrepreneur myself, I understand that sometimes personal life can get in the way of business. Have you encountered any personal hurdles that could have or did result in a business pivot?
Oh, absolutely, I pivot on a daily basis. Life always gets in the way. But one that I can recall was having my Instagram hacked in the middle of my first launch as a coach and having to create a whole new account + rely on email marketing to do the work, which was a part of the plan at the time… but wasn’t supposed to be the whole plan lol.
During these times, we’ve all had to adjust. How was this adjustment been for you and your brand?
The adjustment was great. My makeup business peaked last year. The education side of my business is also doing well, considering much of it is online.
Terri, how did starting your brand affect your mental health?
I started to compare myself, but I decided to have tunnel vision instead.. because I’m in this race by myself. Not anyone else. #WhatWouldBeyonceDo
What’s the difference between the woman (you) before starting the brand and the woman (you) right now?
I am a lot more confident. I was definitely faking the confidence until it was real, but now it is real. I can talk about the things I know with ease, and that comes with flexing that confidence muscle.
What are some tips for Business/Brand Owners to avoid feeling burnt out and taking care of their mental health?
Take a break, celebrate yourself, and remember that this is your business, and if you don’t take care of yourself.. then that stops the bag!
What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
Give yourself grace – you are just starting, so don’t be comparing yourself to people who are hitting 6-figures or have 500 clients a month. Y’all aren’t running the same race, so if you’re looking over at them… then you’ll probably end up tripping.
Lastly, what keeps you strutting?
My resilience!
Connect with Terri Watson
Interested in learning more about Terri? Learn about her beauty business on the website and social below:
- Website
- Instagram: @terriwatsonbeauty
- Twitter: @thefabulousst_