Interview with Canvas Rebel
CR: We recently connected with Nicole Patrick and have shared our conversation below.
CR: Nicole, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?
Naming a business is something that is personal to the business owner. Many tend to use their own name in some capacity when creating a logo and name. When I first began to brainstorm about having a business, what that would look like and the name, I thought about how I wanted someone to feel when they heard or saw it and, of course, the big vision. I wanted to bring a sense of calm, enjoyment, luxury, service and above all, an experience. That is how The Beauty Bar and Lounge came about.
CR: Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I specialize in beauty and bridal makeup services. I am also a licensed esthetician in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. I offer makeup services to anyone for any occasion from a bride and their bridal party, special occasions, maternity photos, engagement photos, birthday, etc.
My career began in 2012 with MAC Cosmetics. In my tenure there, I was able to grow as an artist and leader. Being in that setting allowed me to problem solve anyone of any age, race or sex in need of makeup or skin care needs as well as what it takes to have a successful business and team as I grew into management within the company. My love for makeup and skincare grew over the years and I found myself educating more and more on skin care and makeup. In 2019, I realized my time to move on had come and I ventured out on my own. Even though 2020 was a difficult year for many, looking back I truly appreciated that time to dive further into my business and myself. Now, 3 years later, I have become known in the South Jersey/PA industry. Most recently I was named “The Best of the Best” for Makeup in South Jersey.
With my brand and business, I bring the fun with makeup. Makeup is a great time! I create a safe space for anyone in my chair to be able to speak about what is on their minds and if they have any makeup or skincare questions, I eagerly and emphatically give them what information I have to help. I also do 1-on-1 lessons and ensure that before moving on to the next step, any and all questions/concerns are answered.
For anyone inquiring, I would want them to know that their happiness is on the forefront of our time together and to feel absolutely confident and incredible when they leave my chair.
CR: How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
One of the things I always say is be nice AND kind. There is a difference between the two and both of them together are so powerful. Whether people realize it or not, we connect through each of our energies. We know when someone is truly genuine and authentic and that goes a long way….in networking with your peers and within the industry and for your current and potential clients.
Knowing how you can create the experience is a profound skill to have and one that can not be faked. Authenticity is key.
CR: How do you keep your team’s morale high?
As I have begun to nurture and cultivate a team, I have learned how I would want my team members to feel. I was told years ago at a job I had to take the emotion out of things and I have come to acknowledge within myself that I am an emotional person. I would want my team to feel that they do matter and that their talents and professionalism is what is helping us all succeed.
If you have a team, it’s showing them that they are important. Giving them a space to grow, to educate and encourage them. Have your team meetings and training, and the holiday get togethers. Give them a shout out for a job well done. Those things matter. Allow there to be transparency for them to come to you if they have concerns or feedback and actually listen to them without your ego (and that can be hard at first since your business is your baby). Think of how you would want to be and feel on a team and have that be a baseline with room to grow together.
