Today we’d like to introduce you to Tatum Faccenda.
Hi Tatum, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
In my early teens, I took interest in makeup and products but growing up in a small town in the ’90s and early 2000s, I thought that the makeup industry was just for celebrities. This time period was before Youtube and social media really took off and before the makeup industry exploded. I moved to Columbus right after high school to attend Columbus State and after only two quarters, I decided I hated school and was dropping out. I recall feeling like such a failure and so disappointed in myself. I was attending school for business and I knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur but I had no idea how to start or even what kind of business to start.
A year or so later, I was randomly approached for a modeling opportunity in which I had to have my makeup professionally done. The makeup artist for the photoshoot worked her magic and I was not able to look until it was complete. I’ll never forget looking in the mirror and thinking “that can’t be me!” Her work was incredible! After that, I made it my mission to figure out how to look like that everyday. I started by practicing on myself and as my skill grew, I knew this was what I wanted to do! From there I was practicing on my friends and reading makeup artistry books by industry professionals.
I had been managing a restaurant for the past few years and at the same time the restaurant was closing its doors, I found out that MAC Cosmetics was hiring. I knew it was my shot! I spent three years at MAC advancing my skills and growing my kit before deciding it was time to venture out on my own. With the business skills I learned through managing the restaurant and the amazing training I received through MAC, Makeup By Tatum was born.
I’ve had 10 wonderful years in the makeup industry and I’m so proud of the business I have built!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s never a smooth road when starting a business. I left MAC with a makeup kit and a dream but I had no idea how to start a business. The point was, I just had to start. Things were slow for a while as I had to build a clientele base and learn how to market myself. I worked another job all while creating a website, learning how to document income and expenses, answering emails, networking and continuing to sharpen my artistry. My goal was always to be able to quit my job and be full-time self-employed. I decided to take it one day at a time, one client at a time, one social media post at a time and eventually I looked up and I was quitting my job and business was booming!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Makeup By Tatum?
Makeup By Tatum specializes in naturally, made-up looks. We believe in makeup that enhances a person’s features rather than transforms them into someone else. You’ll leave a Makeup By Tatum session looking and feeling your absolute best! Our sessions are personalized to each client’s needs and features and our artists are trained to work with women of all ages and skin tones. We have a team of four artists that are available for bridal, personal makeovers or makeup lessons. Amongst our team, we also offer airbrush services and bridal hairstyling.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
The books by Kevyn Aucoin will forever be my top makeup artistry resource. He was a makeup industry leader and in my opinion, has the best makeup artistry books. His books are where I learned the basics of makeup and the information is still relevant today.
Contact Info:
- Email: 2makeupbytatum@gmail.com
- Website: www.makeupbytatum.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/makeupbytatumllc
- Facebook: facebook.com/makeupbytatum
Image Credits
Whitney Brewer Photography
Brooke Dixon Photography
Big House Photos
