Update: Our Online Makeup Academy Now Serves Over 400K Students And Generates Over $2.8M/Year In Revenue
This is a follow up story for Vizio Makeup Academy. If you're interested in reading how they got started, published almost 5 years ago, check it out here.
Hello again! Remind us who you are and what business you started.
Hello again, Im Anastasia Andreani, the CEO and founder of Vizio Makeup Academy, a global online makeup academy that provides top-level makeup education. As a Northwestern business graduate with experience in esthetics and makeup artistry from Pivot Point Chicago - specializing in film & television, my journey has led me down an entrepreneurial path for inspired creatives everywhere.
With hard teamwork came the launch of Vizio makeup academy worldwide! I opened my school of makeup education so anyone could take professional makeup courses worldwide.
When I started my journey with makeup, it seemed like an impossible dream. Growing up in Chicago on a tight budget and limited resources made me think that even if I worked hard, it might not turn out how I wanted... But luckily, none of those doubts affected how devoted to success or unwavering in achieving my goal, and oftentimes, when you put your all into something, amazingly incredible things happen!
If you're interested in reading how we got started, here’s our story published about 3 years ago, check it out here.
Through diligent effort, sheer dedication, and having such an amazing team beside me, we could take our business international - making this venture bigger than anyone had ever imagined. And now, being able to empower so many other aspiring artists is what drives us every day.
Whether you're just starting out or already have experience applying and creating makeup looks, Vizio's courses are designed to meet your needs at every step.
From covering fundamentals like contouring and highlighting basics up through advanced topics such as airbrush application and special effects make-up artistry - it doesn't get more comprehensive than this when talking about acquired education within our beloved industry.
Tell us about what you’ve been up to. Has the business been growing?
I am so proud of the tremendous success of Vizio Makeup Academy! We have been investing so much time and effort into creating an online platform with courses taught by industry professionals worldwide.
We now serve over 400K students across every corner of our amazing planet - isn't that incredible? Not to mention we have English and Spanish classes, making quality beauty education accessible for everyone no matter where or when you log on.
Who knew so many years ago this could be possible? All hail technology!
With our team of experienced digital marketers, I knew that creating a strong online presence was key to success - so social media marketing and content creation were at the top of my list!
With a smart mix of social media marketing, content creation, and targeted ads running on various platforms, we have created an amazing opportunity for students enrolling in courses at Vizio Makeup Academy!
As a part of our success, we're grateful to have an outstanding affiliate network as an incredible asset! I am forever grateful for promoters who spread the word or post links and enjoy commissions when they need them most. Thanks to these strategies, it's no surprise that traffic and sales continue increasing.
In the last few years. And what a ride it's been!
My absolute favorite has been seeing people rave about and love our signature makeup collection - The 7 Palette Collection & 24 Piece Brush Set. This is your one-stop shop when you're looking for incredible quality professional-level products.
With its selection of seven distinct palettes packed with hues that can be used any way imaginable, plus twenty-four brushes made out of synthetic fibers, we make sure there's something here perfectly suited just right no matter how bold or subtle you'd like your look: each item working together creates an impeccable finish every time!
Utilize your creativity by keeping an open mind and exploring different techniques; this will help shape you into a master of your craft.
I'm always thrilled to hear and see individuals using their skills and creativity for something they are passionate about. Our students have taken full advantage of Instagram and TikTok by showing off their assignments using the Vizio makeup kit and brush set.
Because of this effort from these creative individuals, I have seen a huge surge in sales and academy enrollment. Kudos to them for making such an impactful change through their artistry and passion!
What have been your biggest challenges in the last year?
This year has been a wild ride for everyone, but fortunately, we have made it through unscathed. Somehow we even turned disruption into opportunity: thanks in no small part to our swift adaptation of online courses and discounts, the academy continued operating (and growing!) throughout 2020's challenging times. Hard work does pay off!
Reflecting on my achievements, one thing that stands out is my relentless drive to succeed. I don't rest upon prior success; instead, viewing it as an opportunity for personal and professional growth, something many of us can learn from! What advice would I give those aspiring toward greatness?
Push yourself further than ever before while giving credit where it's due - and continue striving until you reach your next goal.
What have been your biggest lessons learned in the last year?
As an entrepreneur, getting lost in the day-to-day without a clear vision of where you're going is easy. It's important to figure out what you truly want and doesn't be afraid to take risks along the way.
To stay motivated and inspired - two key ingredients of success - surround yourself with positive people who can help keep you on track. If I could offer any pearls of wisdom about following my lead, that would be: work hard, never give up faith in yourself no matter how tough things get...and always have some cheerleaders by your side cheering you onward!
It takes dedication and determination, but if there is something important enough out there driving you forward, then truly anything is possible.
It is easy to get discouraged and feel like giving up. But - never give in! Utilize your creativity by keeping an open mind and exploring different techniques; this will help shape you into a master of your craft.
Education is something you can only earn once and then forget about- continuing education within the industry helps keep ideas fresh and relevant for those who use them professionally or personally. What could be more rewarding than seeing success arise through passion? Never give up, and stay passionate no matter what.
The key to success is being open-minded, creative, and trying new things. Also, I can't stress the importance of continuing education enough. I have utilized social media marketing and content creation to build an online presence for Vizio Makeup Academy. I have also created a presence on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to promote the academy’s services and products.
Additionally, I have implemented various promotional campaigns through influencers to reach new audiences.
I have found that traditional methods such as print advertising, radio, and television advertisements have seen a decrease in effectiveness. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, I am focusing my marketing efforts on the platforms where my target audience is most active. I have also noticed that some of my campaigns are no longer as successful due to the saturation of ads on certain platforms.
I am always looking for new ways to reach potential customers and engage existing ones.
I utilize various tools and software to manage the day-to-day operations of Vizio Makeup Academy. I utilize Shopify for managing orders and inventory, Mailchimp for email marketing campaigns, and Google Analytics to track website traffic. I also work with third-party vendors, such as beauty bloggers and influencers, to promote new products and services.
Testing different marketing strategies and tactics are essential for success, allowing you to learn what works best for your business.
I have been focusing on customer service to ensure our existing customers are happy and returning. I am always available to answer questions, provide feedback, and troubleshoot customer issues with the products or services.
I have also implemented a rewards program for returning customers, which provides discounts on future purchases. I also regularly host promotions, giveaways, and contests to increase engagement and reward loyal customers. Finally, I have been collecting customer feedback to ensure I provide the best possible service.
My dedication to excellent customer service has contributed greatly to the success of Vizio Makeup Academy. Our customers feel valued and appreciated, which keeps them coming back repeatedly.
What’s in the plans for the upcoming year and the next five years?
I have been building relationships with industry influencers and top beauty bloggers to increase visibility for Vizio Makeup Academy. I recently collaborated with a few acclaimed fashion bloggers to create tutorials showcasing our products and services. The collaboration was extremely successful, generating significant positive press for the academy.
I learned that the key to success is experimentation. I am continually testing new strategies and tactics to find the most effective way of reaching my target audience. Understanding customer behavior and preferences is essential for successful marketing campaigns.
My experience has been different from other entrepreneurs in that I have chosen to focus on creating a luxurious and high-end beauty brand. I greatly emphasize quality and customer service to provide an unforgettable beauty experience for my customers. Additionally, I have been very active in building relationships with industry influencers and top beauty bloggers to increase visibility for Vizio Makeup Academy.
If I could offer advice, it would be to see other entrepreneurs focus on experimentation and customer service. Testing different marketing strategies and tactics is essential for success, allowing you to learn what works best for your business.
Also, it is important to build relationships with influencers in their industry and provide excellent customer service. Strong partnerships with top brands, bloggers, and influencers are essential for getting your brand noticed and staying ahead of the competition. Success is achievable with hard work, dedication, and a creative mindset.
The success of Vizio Makeup Academy can be applied to other businesses in many ways. Firstly, my emphasis on experimentation, customer service, and building relationships are transferable concepts that apply to almost any industry. Additionally, my use of social media marketing, email campaigns, and influencer partnerships has been extremely successful for us.
In the upcoming months, I plan on expanding our product line further while focusing on providing excellent customer service. I will invest more in digital marketing, such as SEO and social media campaigns. I am also exploring new partnerships with top influencers to help increase brand awareness.
My ultimate goal is to continue growing the company while maintaining its high quality and customer service standards. With hard work and dedication, I will continue to make strides in the beauty industry and be a driving force for female entrepreneurs.
What’s the best thing you read in the last year?
I have recently read some great books; Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert was inspiring. It challenged me to think outside the box and believe in my ambitions. It reminded me that creativity is beautiful and wild and should be embraced with joy and enthusiasm.
I also loved the book Lean In by Nell Scovell and Sheryl Sandberg. It was a powerful read that inspired me to challenge myself and take charge of my future. This book highlighted the importance of having a strong work ethic, setting goals, and pushing boundaries to succeed.
I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai was an inspiring read that encouraged me to ask hard questions and be willing to confront fears and doubts to find answers. This book reminded her that we could only grow and learn from our mistakes by asking difficult questions.
It also inspired her to find clarity in my life by interrogating difficult and uncomfortable topics. Additionally, it showed me that we all have the power to create our destinies and that no matter what challenges we face, we can find solutions if we are willing to confront them.
The Mountain in You by Brianna Wiest was an empowering read that reminded me never to give up on my dreams. This book encouraged me to take control of my life and pursue what I truly want, no matter how hard it may be. It also reminded me to be resilient and embrace my inner strength to reach my goals. Additionally, it motivated me to find a balance between life's stressors and enjoy the present moment.
Advice for other entrepreneurs who might be struggling to grow their businesses?
I advise other entrepreneurs to stay focused on their goals and never give up. Understand that growing a business takes time and dedication, so don’t be discouraged if it takes longer than expected. Seek mentors and resources to help you along the way, as there will always be someone who can help guide you in the right direction. Be open to trying new things; experimentation is key to growing your business. Lastly, have patience and perseverance – success will come if you stay true to yourself and your vision!
Also, another piece of advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is always to continue learning. We live in a world of endless possibilities and technology, so keep up with trends and research what’s new in your industry. Stay current on the ever-evolving market by attending seminars, networking events, and reading up on industry news. Knowledge is power – so use it to your advantage.
One of the most common mistakes I often see other entrepreneurs make is trying to do everything themselves. You can’t be an expert in every area, so don’t be afraid to ask for help or outsource certain tasks to professionals who are well-versed in that field.
Many entrepreneurs get too caught up in the hustle and forget to care for themselves. Don’t neglect your physical and mental health – take breaks, go on vacation, and do something you love. Doing so will help keep you energized, motivated, and recharged!
Lastly, another mistake I often see is entrepreneurs not investing enough in marketing. Whether it’s SEO, digital campaigns, or influencer partnerships – getting your brand out is key to success! Don’t be afraid to splurge on a few marketing efforts – you won’t regret it in the long run.
I'm also so inspired by seeing all the other amazing entrepreneurs who are creating meaningful businesses, challenging the status quo, and positively impacting their communities. It's inspiring to see people from all walks of life have the courage to pursue their dreams and create something that is truly theirs.
To all aspiring entrepreneurs, remember that success is within your reach – you just have to be brave enough to take the first step. So don't give up; push yourself and keep moving forward – with hard work, dedication, and passion, you will achieve your goals!
Are you looking to hire for certain positions right now?
At this time, we are not hiring for any specific positions. However, we are always interested in meeting talented and passionate individuals who would like to join our team – so if you think you have the right skill set, don't hesitate to reach out! We would love to hear from you!
Where can we go to learn more?
If you have any questions or comments, drop a comment below!
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
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