This week, I got to interview Victoria, founder of specialist on-line retailer Victoria Loves Beauty (VLB). Due to the easter weekend, I have decided to post this up a day early as I'm guessing, like me, fellow bloggers will be gorging on chocolate all weekend.
VLB provides professional make up tools and niche make up brands (including my favourite FACE Stockholm) for professional make up artists as well as the regular make up savvy gals.
VLB pledges to offer excellent quality beauty products at great prices. VLB also offers further discount to professional MUA students, salons and make up academies (no excuse now to use but nothing but the best in your career as a MUA)
Hi Victoria, thank you for allowing me to interview you. I love the range of products and professional MUA tools on your website (www.victorialovesbeauty.com).
How long have you had your own website?
1 Year
What were you doing before that?
I was a full time mummy.
Does your job require specific qualifications/training/experience?
Not necessarily, but it does require a lot of research. Sales knowledge and core business skills are definitely a big advantage. Good time management, organisation and the ability to plan and work to set goals are also very important skills.
What inspired you to set up your own business?
After being in the retail fashion industry for many years, I decided that I wanted a change of direction. So after starting a family, I knew I wanted to rebuild my career doing something different. I have always had a passion for cosmetics however wanted to stay in retail. So I decided to combine the two and that’s when the idea of Victoria Loves Beauty came about. After a lot of planning and research, VLB was formed in 2010 and started trading in 2011 and its the best decision I had ever made.
What do you do on a daily basis?
Sales, business development, marketing, product sourcing, purchasing and all aspects of day to day running of an SME (small to medium sized enterprise) with my business partner.
What advice would you give to someone wishing to set up their own business/website?
Always conduct thorough research. I spent over a year on my market research and in that time I gained a lot of useful knowledge and contacts. Listen to the advice and information given by credible people with a proven track record; take it on board and put it to good use. If you want to get into the make-up industry, try doing some work experience. You may not get paid, but the advice and knowledge that you walk away with is far more valuable. Most imortantly, you should also maintain a positive , ''can do'' attitude. Stay focused and you will achieve your goals!
Which products do you highly recommend and why?
There are a few that come to mind; firstly our Long tipped & amp short tipped eye-liner applicators. These are fantastic for creating a precise, defined line when applying eye-liner. Secondly, would have to be Face Stockholm's volumising mascara, you will never need false eyelashes again once you have tried this. Finally, Model in a bottle setting spray, once your make-up has been applied, just a quick spray of this and there is no need for touch ups for the rest of the day.
Now some beauty questions, how long does it take you to put your make up on in the morning? and if you're going out.
Including skin prep, I would say around 20 minutes on a normal day, and around 40 minutes if I am going out. Once it's done, I spray my Model in a Bottle then I don't have to re-touch it again.
What is your most favourite must-have product/make up item? (only one…I know it’s hard)
You're right, this is hard. It would have to be Model in a Bottle fixing spray. I never need to re-touch my make-up once I have sprayed this. It doesn't clog the pores and makes your skin feel super soft. (I need me some of this model in a bottle!)
Lipstick or lip gloss?
Both. Once I have applied my lipstick, I will go over with a clear gloss.
Cream blush or powder blush?
Both again. I always use a a cream blush first, then go over with a powder to add shimmer.
High St make up or Beauty Hall brands?
Either. There are some great high street brands out there. Don't be afraid to mix and match.
Finally, what or who is your definition of beauty?
Beauty comes from within, make-up just enhances it.
Thank you so much Victoria, check out the super selection of FACE Stockholm products
here.
"Beauty comes from within, make-up just enhances it." Victoria (VLB)
