Earn money from your make-up skills

Gone are the days when make-up was just for a select few. For most ladies now, looking good will not be complete without it. It may be a simple shade of lipstick, eye shadow or lip sheen.
A number of women of means are now willing to spend some money on their looks. No matter how much it costs, they will pay for it.

For some people, making up appeals to their artistic side. No wonder their circle of friends rely on them whenever the need arises. If you are doing make up as a passion, have you thought about starting a make-up artistry business?
Makeup artists highlight the cosmetic “best” in their clients, adding a pop of glamour to them.

Ideally, a makeup artist is an artist, whose medium is the human body, applying makeup on others for theatrical, television, film, fashion, magazines and other similar productions including all aspects of the modeling industry.
This is one of the flexible businesses you can do within your own space or find clients at their homes or workplaces.

Because it so flexible, it can be done even as a side income generating activity and it is less capital intensive yet money-spinning.

Mr Newton Buteraba, the chief executive officer of House of wealth, it is be advisable to have some experience in the cosmetics industry before you set up this business.”

Investment capital
Experts say starting this kind of business does not require huge capital investment.
Being a make-up artist offers one a flexible schedule where you can either move with clients or find them at their location.
This means you will not need a brick and mortar workplace but only your makeup box. Alternatively, this is something you can do at your home.
“This will save you rent and other utility bills especially when the business has not yet been established,” Mr Buteraba adds.

In that case, you can start your business for $30 (Shs112,500) to $50 (Shs187, 500) or less to purchase a professional makeup box.

High-quality brushes, foundations, concealers, and colour correctors, various palettes and products for eyes, brows, lips, and cheeks, eyeliners and mascaras, false lashes and lash glue, setting powder, cotton swabs and makeup remover pads.

Once you are set with all the items you need to use, you are good to go. Ideally normal makeup without eye lashes costs about Shs100,000 and with lashes one has to part away with Shs120,000.
This means if for instance you work on five people in a day, you will collect Shs3.5 million weekly.
“Usually, weekends are busier for us, because of that is when people have parties and weddings,” Ms Stella Sanyu, a mobile makeup artist says.

However if you want to have a fully established business in a particular location, Ms Nahya Shero, the proprietor of Nahya Make Up Studio in Kabalagala Kingsgate Mall, says you need at least Shs5 million.
“This involves paying for rent, importing for the best and quality items to use and also designing the studio,” Ms Shero shared.

Advice
It is advisable to open up social media sites for your business to attract clients. These sites will allow your customers to learn more about what you do.
When your business grows, formalize it through registration with Uganda Registration Services Bureau.
Also make sure you are in the good books of the City authorities and Uganda Revenue Authority. This will help you operate your business legally and avoid fines or business closure over non-compliance.
Separate your business accounts from your personal account to keep an eye on the cash flow. Lastly, define your brand. .