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I met Marcia Williams at a networking event for women last winter. Some of the women who had product-based businesses had set up tables to showcase their inventory and I couldn't help but notice that women were crowded around Marcia's table more than any other in the room. I went over to check out what everyone was looking at and immediately understood why there was a crowd; Marcia makes beautiful makeup in vibrant colors that are flattering for every skin type.
As a sucker for a bright lip, I was immediately drawn to her Relentless Liquid Lipstick, which I not only bought on the spot, but also wore for the rest of the day. To this day, every time I put on Marcia's lipstick I get a ton of positive feedback on the color. It is the perfect blend of red and orange, which compliments my skin tone perfectly. I've become a serious fangirl of Marcia's, and can't sing her praises enough. If you need a little pick me up, check out Marcia's website, Embellish Beauty, to take her quiz and find your perfect lip color. You won't regret it!
Marcia Williams: Embellish Beauty
What is the name of your company (or companies) and what do you do?
The name of my company is Embellish Beauty Concepts, LLC. I launched this company to provide on location luxury experience of hair and makeup to affluent women, brides, etc.
Since the pandemic, I’m focused more on reinventing myself and my business by zooming in on creating new products and adding new colors. My mission is to create a superb formula for all women. We are also launching a Beauty App that will have monthly memberships that offer how to's and live shows introducing women entrepreneurs with their own products featured in out App boutique, education, etc.
How long have you been in business?
I have been in business for myself since 2010. At the time of launch, I was newly married with kids. I had my 9 year-old son (from a previous relationship) and my infant daughter at the time. I knew the moment I had my daughter Karly that I could not go back to salon life, which consists working hours on end and missing out on significant life moments. Before meeting my husband, I was a single mom to my now 22 year-old son, and I had spent countless hours in the salon building a strong book of clients. I did it to help give my son the best possible life, but in doing so, I missed out on many years of family functions due to salon hours.
How did you decide to launch your own business?
I have always been someone that hated the restrictions put on you when working for someone else. I understood early on that it is very freeing to create something that belongs to you.
What challenges did you face in the process of launching your business?
The challenges I faced was raising money and multiplying my money. It is extremely difficult raising capital in the beauty space.
Did you feel as though there were resources available to you, specifically as a woman business owner?
I did not feel as though there was many resources when I started years ago. However, I believe there has been a shift in e-commerce in which many more opportunities will arise for women in business now.
Do you have a mentor?
I have 2 mentors and I strongly recommend having one to help push you and hold you accountable.
Books you recommend?
The books I recommend are Profit First by Mike Michalowicz, Contagious; Why things Catch On by Jonah Berger, The Power of Vulnerability by Brene Brown, and The 10 X Rule by Grant Cardone.
What do you love most about running your own business?
I love running my own business because it gives me flexibility to spend time with my family. It allows me to spend some intimate time doing self-improvement and development on my own terms.
What is your least favorite aspect of running your own business?
My absolute least favorite part of the business is understanding financial statements. Thank God for my husband who has a degree in accounting! He manages cash flow and produces financial projections. However, I still had to learn accounting terms like "working capital" and "accumulated depreciation." Needless to say, it’s very important as a woman owned business that we know how to fiscally operate.
What is your best piece of advice for other women who are thinking about launching a business?
The greatest tragedy in life is to die and go to heaven with your dream inside of you. The world is your oyster. Go for it! When you get in the thick of it, never give up. It’s hard to push through sometimes. It’s easy to fold, meaning give up and fall apart at the seams. Let your experiences teach you how to level up!