Today we’d like to introduce you to Molly Salerno.
Hi Molly, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
In late 2016, I was at a really low point in my life. My mom had been struggling with addiction for several years, I was a working mom with a toddler and my husband was going through a total health transformation and career change. I was feeling super lost, not knowing how to balance being a mom and work full time. I had a friend jokingly tell me “put on some lipstick and you’ll feel better”, so I did. I hadn’t worn makeup since my wedding 3 years prior, but that little boost of confidence is exactly what I needed. My favorite product became a long-lasting lip color that I discovered. I then decided to start my own make up business and I became an independent distributor for the international cosmetics company of the lip color I fell in love with.
Three days after starting my business, my mom suddenly passed away from complications of her addiction. The first year of my business was an absolute blur. I was trying to define myself as more than just a working mom, as well as gain confidence. I realized quickly that the business I was building was helping me through the grief process of losing my mom and changing the way I looked at myself. I started sharing about these products and realized I was helping other women start to gain the confidence I had been lacking, simply by sharing long lasting lip color with them. I attribute a lot of my success from then until now to the fact that I’m relatable and open about everyday mom life and struggles. I was just a normal girl who didn’t know much about makeup, but I was learning and sharing as I went.
One of the biggest struggles I’ve had in the last 15 years was my weight. I witnessed several people close to me have success with weight loss surgery, so in August 2019, I decided to get my health under control and had gastric sleeve surgery to continue my journey into confidence and a healthy lifestyle. Since my surgery, I have successfully kept off 80 pounds. I attribute a lot of my confidence and determination to this journey. Just as I was successful in my business, I knew I could be successful in my weight loss journey as well. That’s also part of what helped me realize my business had a lot more potential than I was giving it.
In March 2020, after three years working both a full-time job and doing my makeup business on the side, my family and I took a big leap of faith and my husband accepted a job promotion across the country. At that point, I decided it was time to make my makeup business my full-time job. Fast forward to 18 months later, and I have a thriving in-home business, I’m a Certified Makeup Artist, and I’m helping to support my family, all while sharing about the products I love. While it was scary to leave corporate America after almost 15 years, I am so thankful I took that step to a happier and healthier life for me and my family.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’ve had a lot of struggles throughout my journey, but all of them have made me stronger in my life and business.
Managing a full-time job and starting my makeup business on the side was really difficult at first. I had to learn how to balance my time between work and family.
Moving across the country and rebuilding my customer base was also a struggle. I realized I needed to connect more with the people in my new town and also maintain the relationships I had built with my customers that were no longer local to me. I learned I could do that by opening up on social media and finding women going through the same things I was going through.
There were also many challenges throughout my committed weight loss journey. The biggest hurdle, for me, was the opinions of others.
I had people question me because I went through such a dramatic and quick transformation. But even though I look different, I’m still the same girl I was when I started this business almost five years ago – just more confident.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I represent an international makeup and skincare company. I fell in love with the products because our makeup contains anti-aging skincare. When I was putting on makeup, I was also putting on skincare. As a busy mom, I loved that my products were multifunctional. Our products are vegan, made in the USA, gluten-free, non-GMO, and not tested on animals.
I specialize in creating makeup tutorials for busy mamas, beauty junkies and even the no makeup gals. I make sure to connect with each of my customers and treat them as family while giving them the one-on-one beauty consultation they deserve, whether it’s online or in person.
I’ve spent the last five years using the products and educating myself on how each of them works. In June 2021, after four and a half years in my business, I went through the rigorous certification program to become a Certified Makeup Artist with my company. For the certification, I was required to complete 40 makeovers and $20,000 in retail sales in one year. I was able to complete those requirements in three months. I acheived this with the help of my loyal customers and growing my network through social media. With this experience and the certification I received, I’m now able to more effectively share these products with my customers and give consultations without pressuring them. I don’t look at it as just another sale but instead as an educational platform.
I offer a free makeover to first-time customers who want to try out the products and put the long-lasting lip color to the test.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
The first three years of my business, I did weekly in-person pop-up events. Even though I had the majority of my sales and customers in person, I made sure to stay consistent on social media from the beginning. Once the pandemic hit, I switched to more virtual tutorials and sales. I knew that women deserved and craved to still feel beautiful while staying home during the pandemic. Staying relevant and relatable on social media has kept my business thriving.
Contact Info:
- Email: pictureperfectlipswithmolly@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.Senegence.com/PicturePerfectwithMolly
- Instagram: Instagram.com/PicturePerfectwithMolly
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pictureperfectwithmolly
