Meet the beauty industry entrepreneur causing a social media stir

EVERYWHERE you look on social media it seems someone is trying their hand at becoming a make-up artist.

With the explosive success of YouTube beauty bloggers, such as Lisa Eldridge and Michelle Phan, who have more than 10 million subscribers between them, it isn’t hard to see why.
 
But how can you tell between the professionals and the rookies?

One entrepreneur, Anastasia Kenyon, has developed a solution by developing a social hub and marketplace for make-up artists and fanatics, which provides artists with an honest rating based on customer experience.

The businesswoman is part of an Entrepreneurial Spark Hatchery, based at RBS in Spinningfields, Manchester. The nationwide programme is a free business accelerator for early stage ventures which gives entrepreneurs business support from several partners, including RBS, Natwest and KPMG.

After living in Australia for nine months, Kenyon, 24, returned home to hear that her younger sister wanted to become a make-up artist. It was the lack of safe and effective platforms for artists to sell and book their work that inspired her business idea.

She said: “I was researching on all the social media channels and there was nothing out there to offer to make-up artists – I sat there and thought this was an opportunity.

“I wondered why there wasn’t a platform out there so I grabbed a load of magazines and built a website overnight using cut-outs.”

From this, Kenyon, 24, went on to create Palette Official, a social media hub which enables make-up artists to sell their services, receive reviews and post multimedia content to build their own brand.

For make-up fans, there is an opportunity to share tips, videos and book a make-up artist session, as well as choose the right person for you based on the company’s reliable review system.

She said: “Palette Official enables any individual to discover, connect and book their favourite make-up artist.

“A make-up artist can create a profile which syncs to existing social media accounts including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and we pull all the content directly onto their profile
“A make-up artist can also be booked on Palette and once the booking is confirmed, a deposit is transferred straight into their bank account saving them time and money.

“Fanatics can create a profile to understand, innovate and collaborate within the marketplace.

“As well as providing a way for make-up artists to book their work and educate fans, the review system developed by Palette Official allows customers to find a professional make-up artist with good reviews.”
 
Many artists online with a large following have purchased their followers, Kenyon added, which makes it difficult for people to find the right person for their needs.

“Our unique review system allows clients to directly review artists on the site. Instead of having to judge them on the number of followers they have, they are judged on the reviews which is fairer,” said Kenyon. “It’s about creating a safe place for professionals which is a big aspect for me.

“If you’re having a professional painting your face, you want to make sure they have a five-star rating, they’re trustworthy, they’re on time and they understand you and your skin.”

Kenyon has self-funded Palette with an investment of £35,000 and works with an enabler from the Entrepreneurial Spark programme each week to help develop her ideas.

A launch event will be held at Manchester House, Bridge Street, on Thursday January 26 called Palette Presents…The New Masterclass.

Make-up artists Lo Diaz and Sean Maloney will be in attendance to show followers the newest trends for the new year.

Looking ahead, Kenyon said: “Over the next year, I see Palette being used by over 1000 make-up artists and our growth potential is extremely strong.

“We’ll have an app by June and be looking to phase two of the website at that time as well.

“The opportunities are endless and I see nothing but positives in the next 12 months.
“I’ve got over 1000 sign ups pre-launch and 5000 followers on social media.

“Make-up artists will pay a £10 per month subscription which includes a fully-functional social media and booking site.”

The company officially starts trading at the end of January and further information can be gathered by contacting Anastasia Kenyon via Instagram or LinkedIn.