One of the best ways to be inspired to make yourself and your business the best they can be is to learn from the success of others. That’s why we love to spotlight our members here at the blog. Today, you’ll meet Karrie Welch, founder of Fortunate Face Minerals in Westfield, Massachusetts.
Karrie has been a professional makeup artist for 14 years, and has been a member of the Indie Business Network since July 2008. I asked her to share a bit about her life and the Fortunate Face brand, and here's a little of what she said:
Q1 TELL US ABOUT FORTUNATE FACE MINERALS
After many requests, and a need to add a more naturally based line of cosmetics to my kit, I began researching the 100% mineral makeup options. I found lots of products, but none met my definition of “natural” and also, photo and film safe. I stumbled across a website offering mineral ingredients to “make your own,” and I have been hooked ever since!
The idea of dreaming up a color, and then being able to actually MAKE it- still excites me! Not only do I use my products in my professional makeup practice, but my makeup is used by other major artists and in ads, photo shoots, major motion picutres, and at New York's Fashion Week. Doing what I love has truly piad off for me. My college science background gives me an advantage in analyzing ingredients, how they work, and if they will fit my company's definition of “natural.”
I also like that I was able to create products that can be customizable — because that is how artists work. Any cheek color can be used as a shadow, and most cheek colors double as lip colors. Mix any powdered product into my uncolored cream base and it becomes a cream product. Mixing my foundation with my hydrating spray makes it water-based, and I even airbrush it that way!
Q2 WHAT ARE YOUR BEST SELLING PRODUCTS?
My best selling products are my foundations, and my concealers that work to cover especially dark and red/blue/purple skin discolorations. One of my newest best sellers is the Intensif-EYE pigment enhancer and shadow primer (pictured), which has taken off particularly with the pro artist community!
I like that I create products that can be customized — because that is how artists work. Any cheek color can be used as a shadow, and most cheek colors double as lip colors. Mix any powdered product into my uncolored cream base and it becomes a cream product. Mixing my foundation with my hydrating spray makes it water-based, and I even airbrush it that way!
Q3 WHAT SORTS OF THINGS DO YOU LIKE TO DO WHEN YOU'RE NOT WORKING?
When I am not working, I love to read, cook, dance, spend time with my husband and three kids, and get together with friends.
Q4 WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT BEING A MEMBER OF THE INDIE BUSINESS NETWORK?
When I first joined IBN, I was eager to connect with others who did what I do, and also in affordable insurance from people who understood what do. (You should see the looKs I got from local insurers.) But over time, I have also come to appreciate the Indie Business community as a whole. I know if I have a question about something, someone in IBN, and usually many people, will most likely have experienced *exactly* what I'm going through, and will gladly jump in with advice. I also see the things that other members have accomplished, or are creating, and I am further inspired.
You can learn more about Indie Business Network membership and the benefits we offer (including affordable product liability insurance, coaching, and mentoring) at this link.
LEARN MORE ABOUT FORTUNATE FACE MINERALS
