Vithya Visvendra - With the World of Social Media, Amateur Makeup Artist Don't Realise the Power of Word of Mouth (Make Up Artist & YouTuber, London)

Makeup Artist | Educator | YouTuber | Content Creator | Mental Health Advocate | Entrepreneur living between London & Kuala Lumpur

Instagram - @vithyahairandmakeup

Website - www.vithyahairandmakeup.com

1. Tell us more about your company and your journey.

I am Vithya from Vithya Hair and Makeup, initially it started out as me just being a Makeup Artist back in 2008 and travelling around and doing make overs, but then over the years I started teaching Makeup on a larger scale and Vithya Hair and Makeup became a brand, an established business.


2. How did you come up with this idea and go about executing it?

I have always loved Makeup, Fashion, and even enjoyed painting. I was a creative person, but coming from an Orthodox South Asian Family, I did not think it would be possible for me to pursue a career in the creative field. 

After a lot of persuasion, my parents agreed to let me go to London College of Fashion straight after finishing my Degree in Biology and Psychology, and the moment I qualified with a Distinction, I worked day and night to be where I am today.


3. What has been your biggest challenge that you faced and how did you overcome that?

My parents and I were refugees from Sri Lanka, and my parents did 2-3 jobs to get me educated and to provide a better life for me. So turning around and telling them I wanted to throw all that away to follow my passion was the biggest challenge I faced. 

My entire community seemed confused with a 20 year old doing makeup for a living, it was not a common career choice. I had family talk behind my back, people in the industry not respecting me. But I persevered, and kept going and today my family are proud, and every young girl wants to pursue this too.


4. What do you think are the most important qualities of a successful entrepreneur?

Having worked in retail part time during my studies, I learned so much about customer service. I applied these skills towards my business. I pride myself in excellent customer service. 

Being punctual and working efficiently is one thing, having a welcoming and humble approach, being relatable, and always putting your customer first helps with all of this. I regard myself as a little bit of an opportunist too, and I work hard to get these opportunities and be noticed. Ultimately, if I don't market and promote myself, who will?


5. How can one build a clientele as a make-up artist?

Word of mouth is so essential. I think with the world of social media, amateur Makeup artist don't realise the power of word of mouth. I focused more on that than building my followers anywhere.

Imagine doing an excellent job at a wedding of a hundred guests. Now each one of them will ask the Bride who the makeup artist is, and what her personal experience was. That review or feedback is priceless. No amount of social media adverts or promo can buy you that.


6. What are some of your top make-up tips?

Keeping your skin looking as natural and clean as possible. Concealer more than foundation goes a long way, and I love a Bold lip, it can immediately brighten up your face.


7. What kind of job opportunities one can get after becoming a make-up artist?

I think naturally most people tend to turn to building an academy or school of some sort. Educating is the next step, however not everyone is natural at teaching, so you got to figure out if you are great at teaching individuals, or a group and go from there.


8. Which is your favourite book and why?

The Bible, it changed my life.

Interviewed by - Soumya Bhayana