Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly OKeefe Stuart.
Kelly, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started Blush, an onsite bridal makeup business 12 years ago. It quickly became an award-winning company with Boston Magazine, Improper and The Knot. We prided our selves as a group that took great care in the brides wedding day offering exemplary makeup services. Our attention to each and every detail and professionalism set us apart from other companies. I soon saw a need, not just for brides, but for all women to have a safe haven of sorts for skincare and makeup where no question was silly, no one judged you – makeup and skincare can be overwhelming and we wanted to provide the upper echelon of services and products and then Tryst was born!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There are no smooth journeys in life. We would learn nothing if there were no struggles. I always say entrepreneurship is hills and valleys and often you will find yourself in the dip of those valleys questioning every decision you have made but the dip only means you have nowhere to go but up! Every ounce of information – good or bad lends itself to a lesson so listen closely.
I have seen every struggle I think you can see! Bad bookkeepers, staff skimming off the top, being understaffed, not being entirely aware of budgets and cost, not making as much profit as we could have.
My advice for any young women is to be as pragmatic as possible, know your stuff and know it well – know it inside and out and upside down – listen, take classes, surround your self with like minded woman – dynamic women – strong women that will lift you up and catch you when you fall bc you will fall. Have a mantra and read it as many times as possible to keep your fires burning. Each morning start with a positive affirmation. Being an entrepreneur is the most difficult role you will have much the pay off is immense.
Please tell us about Tryst -storefront and Blush onsite bridal makeup.
Blush and Tryst are a magical mixture of all things pretty. We specialize in skincare and makeup but we stand by the clean beauty and really allowing clients real beauty to shine thru. We are not Instagram makeup people – we don’t hide people behind makeup we encourage people to take care of your skin first and foremost.
I am most proud of empowering women both clients and staff alike – we don’t allow negative words to come out of a client’s mouth while sitting in our makeup chair. We want to hear how we can help you with skincare and makeup from the most positive place in you.
What sets us apart is passion – true passion – you cant last in the beauty industry without a deep connection with people – that is always our goal with each person that comes thru the door. Connect, listen, understand.
Do you think there are structural or other barriers impeding the emergence of more female leaders?
Kevyn AuCoin was my first inspiration in regards to makeup. He transformed beauty and was a trailblazer in our industry.
I’m not sure I have one woman that inspired me – there’s no one famous person that sent me into overdrive. I can say that I’m inspired daily by the woman that crossed my path – that have seen and survived struggles – that have beat cancer, survived divorce, built something from nothing, fought a cause that they were passionate about.
My real drive came from someone that told me I couldn’t do it and that set my fires burning. Tell me, I can’t and watch me… because I will.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.trystonmain.com
- Phone: 781-740-2228
- Email: info@trystonmain.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/tryststudio
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/tryststudio
- Other: www.blushweddingday.com
Image Credit:
Stephanie C. Olsen Photography, Henry and MAc, white loft studio, ashleycarolinephotgraphy, Joe Mikos photography
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