Be consistent. There are so many exciting opportunities, ideas and options as an entrepreneur. I would tell my younger self to stick to one path and do it well.
Extremely organized and makeup obsessed, Sheena Sujan Celebrity Makeup™ founder Sheena Sujan grew up in Los Angeles, CA. Sheena earned a Bachelor’s Degree from UCLA followed by a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (M.B.A.) from Northeastern University.
With over 10+ years of experience in the beauty/fashion industry, Sheena has created multiple successful brands including a cosmetic line and handbag collection, which have been worn by Hollywood’s hottest celebrities including Demi Lovato, Giuliana Rancic and Kat Graham to name a few. After achieving her goals, Sheena decided to invest all of her energy into her first passion- professional makeup application. Sheena’s strong creative flair, and unique ability to transform bare faces into Hollywood glamour, can’t be beat!
Where did the idea for your company come from?
Earlier this year, I was having dinner with a few of my girlfriends and we started talking about the need for affordable professional makeup artists for life’s everyday events. It has always been this unattainable service, kept for celebrities, influencers or really special occasions. That night, I decided to utilize my 10+ of experience in the beauty/fashion industry along with my professional makeup certificate to launch ‘Sheena Sujan- Celebrity Makeup Artist.’
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
I usually wake up in the morning and answer emails, return phone calls and plan my social media strategy for the week. After taking my daughter to school, I set out on a full day of client makeup applications. In the evening, I pick up my daughter and spend quality time with her before putting her to bed. I truly feel that you should always have a good work/personal life balance.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I believe the best results come from a carefully executed strategy. I plan everything out from my website design, marketing materials to how I would like to handle customer service. Once I know how my business should operate, I strategically execute my ideas.
What’s one trend that excites you?
Highlighter! I absolutely love the new trend of a natural glow.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
Organization! I strive to be as organized as possible. As an entrepreneur, you have many tasks to handle. Organization is what keeps me moving forward.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Be consistent. There are so many exciting opportunities, ideas and options as an entrepreneur. I would tell my younger self to stick to one path and do it well.
Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.
You CAN have it all. As an entrepreneur, I’ve heard so many people say it is not possible to have a successful career AND a comfortable personal life. I do not believe that is true. You can definitely have it all.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
There is no substitute for hard work. If you put in the work, you are 10x more likely to succeed!
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?
We live in a digital age, where everything is at your fingertips. Having a strong organic digital presence has really helped me grow my business. Organic press is a great way for customers to “google” who I am in order for them to decide if they would like to utilize my services.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
Social media. One of my biggest regrets is not staying consistent with social media. As I mentioned earlier, we live in a digital age. Social media is where customers get their information, from reviews to inspiration. I wish I was more consistent with my social platforms from the beginning. However, I have learned my lesson and I’m working really hard to build my Instagram presence @SheenaSujan.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
I love the idea of a mobile makeup truck, where customers can get their makeup done inside a “food truck” type automobile.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
I would have to say the best $100 I’ve spent recently is on promoting the re-launch of my Instagram page. I believe Instagram is a fantastic tool for makeup artists, which is why I work tirelessly to provide great content!
What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
My iPhone calendar. It keeps me organized and it is super efficient. I input my professional and personal appointments daily.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
I would highly recommend She Means Business: Turn Your Ideas into Reality and Become a Wildly Successful Entrepreneur by Carrie Green. Carrie does a wonderful job explaining how to be a successful entrepreneur in a way that is relatable and fun to read.
What is your favorite quote?
“Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” ― Mark Twain
Key learnings:
- Consistency is vital in building a solid business model
- It is possible and important to have a good work/life balance
- Social media is a crucial element for businesses today
Connect:
Mario Schulzke is the Founder of ideamensch, which he started a decade ago to learn from entrepreneurs and give them a platform for their ideas.