We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Holly Scholten a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Holly, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Imposter Syndrome is not something I think I have fully overcome, or ever will. I will always be in awe that I get to share what I love with people and call it my job. As a bridal and event specialized makeup artist, it is a lot of pressure knowing that people are trusting me with their most important life moments.
I used to play with makeup and experiment with different styles and techniques as a kid in my bedroom. For a long time I didn’t share my personal work with anyone outside of my immediate circle. That girl who did makeup for hours at night just to wash it right off before anyone would see is still a part of who I am today.
There will always be part of me who is amazed that my creativity has left my bedroom at my parents house, and hope I never get used to the feeling of working my dream job. When it comes to imposter syndrome, I just have to remind myself to trust that brides and clients chose me because they enjoy me, my work, or both. I also like to connect with my clients to feel a genuine bond being formed, which helps me relax and remember to be confident. I also believe that the Lord has given me my talents for a reason and they are not a coincidence. I believe I that my artistic and creative abilities, as well as my business mindset, equips me well for the position I’m in.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My current business project is to diversify my brand to create more streams of income. While servicing clients is my main form of income (and my favorite), I want to focus on stabilizing my revenue and have more creative outlets to work with apart from makeup.
Ideas for this include: makeup classes, merchandise, digital products, and more.
Another new project of mine is wedding rentals. I recently started Rent Your Event, where I rent out wedding decorations I used at my wedding in August 2023. I absolutely loved my wedding and wanted to help other brides bring their dream wedding to life as well, and do it on a budget!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Networking, adaptability, and being okay with failing.
A lot of where I am right now is owed to the people who gave me advice, answered my questions, worked along side me, referred me, and just connected with me. I don’t just have connections in this industry, I have friends. Community is so important and so good for business, and I LOVE my community.
Adaptability is important because trends change, people change, and business changes. It’s important to continue learning, even when you consider yourself an expert. The world is always changing and in business, you have to change with it.
I started doing makeup with the idea that I would try it out until I no longer wanted to do it anymore. I am happily still “trying it out”. This mentality has given me the freedom to try new things and just throw things out there and see what sticks. when something doesn’t work anymore, I know it’s just time to find something different, and this allows me to continually be creative in every aspect of my business. Seeing these changes as redirecting my plans rather than “failures” helps me stay confident through the unknown.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
I think my biggest improvement in the last year is focusing on client experience. I have been focusing on how to offer clients something different than any other artist offers, and to identify consumer problems and solve them before they even have to ask.
This year, I tried to make my service an experience rather than just a “makeup application”. Of course you’re going to get glammed as well, but I also want customers to feel listened to, connected with, and cared for. Client needs often go much deeper than just makeup!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hollyjmakeup.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/hollyjmakeup?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hollyjmakeup?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-scholten-farrell-a59a63213?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Other: Pinterest: https://pin.it/6aJrEtc
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hollyjmakeup_t=8goPVY99dPv&_r=1
Image Credits
Madison Kristine Photography Heather Michelle Photography Kailee Marie Photography Bam Photo
