#WIB – Q&A With Amelia Mc Nicol Founder Of MUA Gear
1. Can you please tell us more about your business?
A. MUA gear is a supplier of essential and practical kit items for make-up artists. Offering tools, accessories, and storage bags.
2. When, how and why did you start your business?
A. I started MUA gear in May 2021 out of a need for affordable and practical make-up kit items in SA. I created a business profile on Instagram & promoted the 2 items I had to start my business on this platform. I accepted orders through DM’s while working on a bigger product line up and building a website.
3. What is your role in the business?
A. I am the founder and director of MUA gear.
4. Where did you study and what did you study?
A. Always being a creative soul, I studied Fashion design & marketing at Allenby Campus. I found myself intrigued by the cosmetics industry and ended up working many years in cosmetics retail for prestige brands of which the last was MAC cosmetics.
5. How did you finance your business?
A. I took a leap of faith and invested my own savings into my business. I started small and have been fortunate that I am able to reinvest profits at this stage to keep growing the business.
6. Describe your average workday, if such a thing exists.
A. I start my day at 9 am with a plan. I believe planning is key to success. My days will vary from inventory planning & control, website updates, packing orders, content creation, the list goes on. I wear many hats at this stage, but it has also taught me so much.
7. How do you balance your home life and your work life?
A. Working from home can be challenging. It is important to set work hours and stick to it.
8. What drives you and inspires you?
A. I’m inspired by so many businesses that started from humble beginnings out of a garage and are thriving today. It gives me the inspiration to keep going. Of course, there are ups and downs as we’re only human. My amazing customers and the feedback they give me also motivated me to keep moving forward.
9. Where and when do you have your best ideas?
A. It’s so random, inspiration can spark at any moment. I’m always carrying a notepad and pen just in case.
10. Where and how do you market/advertise your business for sales leads?
A. Instagram is a huge generator of leads; I will shortly be utilizing Facebook ads to increase drive and awareness to the website.
11. What is next for your business?
A. The sky’s the limit! I am planning new launches for early 2022 & collaborating with ambassadors to further reach our audience.
12. What advice would you give to female entrepreneurs hoping to start their own business?
A. Believe in yourself! It’s never going to feel like the perfect moment. You need to start where you are, you will figure it out as you go.
Short Bio:
Amelia Mc Nicol, Cape Town based Freelance MUA and the founder of the local brand MUA gear. MUA gear provides essential and practical kit items for make-up professionals and enthusiasts.
Contact details:
email: hello@muagear.co.za
whatsapp:064 503 6436
Social media: @muagear