It’s not 2020 anymore?
Happy New Year, y’all. I stepped away from the blog for a while to concentrate on strategy and social media, and to figure out where I want Electra Lane to go.
I started this website as an outlet during grad school while I was learning the ins-and-outs of social media, as well as a hub for my makeup artist clients. Since then, Electra Lane has morphed into teaching makeup lessons, and this year the plan is to give you more of an experience here on this website.
Here’s what’s on tap:
#motd
I have a huge problem with thinking everything needs to be at a certain level before I can release it…which is unrealistic, I know, because I learn so much from the every day minutiae versus the beautifully manicured content. Maybe because it’s easier to digest? Anyway, check Instagram for my daily makeup looks. There will be a lot of repetition, but I feel like sometimes it takes a while for something to sink in, so hopefully you can learn from it.
SAMPLES!
Back when I worked at the Nordstrom makeup counter for La Mer, we were set up next to Lancome. As you might know, Lancome has many gift-with-purchase sales and, during one GWP session, my coworker (shoutout Heather!) asked her customer which of the five deluxe-sized samples she’d like. The lady was so overcome with glee that she just started shouting, “SAMPLES!” It went like this:
“Your purchase qualifies for our gift today, and you get to choose five, so which would you like?”
“SAMPLES!!!”
“Um, yes, you get five samples and you get to choose from everything here (displays options). Which ones do you want?”
“SAMPLES!!! SAMPLES!!!!!”
Eventually, sweet Heather just loaded her up and sent her on her way, but the rest of us witnessing this situation literally ducked behind the display because we were laughing so hysterically and we didn’t want to offend the customer.
To this day, my family still screams “SAMPLES!” in my direction when they want some makeup adivce.
Anyway…
I’m sharing all of this because I get many samples of new products and, instead of just playing with them on my own, I’ll start sharing a demo and thoughts about the products.
Product of the Month
I’m not an influencer, I’m a makeup artist.
Influencers typically make money by getting paid to post about products they are sent with the goal of “influencing” you to purchase the product.
As a makeup artist, I have over a decade of experience painting faces; in that time, I’ve come across some amazing products, so if I share products with you it’s because I love it, love how it performs, and most importantly, can show you how to use that product so it works for you. I make money by selling makeup lessons and workshops, and have recently been included in the RewardStyle family so, if you purchase products through my link, I’ll get a very small commission.
You might have seen influencers sharing their monthly product favorites. Which is awesome, I love those videos, but they are on “PR Lists” of makeup companies and the makeup companies send them packages of free makeup to review. I am not on any of those lists, so if I share a product it’s because I purchased that product and really believe in it.
I’ve struggled with sharing products because 1, I use many of the same items and 2, I don’t buy new products every moth. But I DO want to share my new and successful finds.
SO, I’ll be sharing my Product of the Month, aka one standout product that I couldn’t stop using all month. It might be new, might be an old favorite, but it’ll be something you need to know about.
Makeup Lessons
This is the doozy. This is a HUGE undertaking for one person, but I really believe in it and want to share these literally life-changing makeup lessons with you. A big part of this is pricing these lessons so I am paid for my work while keeping them affordable.
The plan, for now at least, is for me to put the video “menu” here on the site and you can request what you want via the contact form. I won’t get into all the business details, but trust me when I say I know it’s clunky, but I’d have to charge double for the lessons if we adopt a more streamlined system.
High tech = high dollar, and since I’ve always bootstrapped this business, I hope you’ll hang with me. I promise you’ll receive rich, impactful content!
The first offerings will be The Starting Seven plus add-ons, Preps and Happy Endings, and Bridal Basics, so stay tuned.
This blog
I have a lot to say and I’m paying for this space so I’m going to use it. While the content will still be beauty-focused (not a “lifestyle” blogger…don’t get me started on that topic), it will include beauty from the inside-out and outside-in.
It’s a big year.
Electra Lane will be seven this year (!!!), and there are some decisions that will be made at the end of this year.
I don’t mean to sound ominous, but if you love Electra Lane and the content it provides, please let me know! Keeps engaging with me on Instagram; if you want to purchase a product I mention, please do so through my link; purchase or gift makeup lessons; SHARE and tell all of your friends to get involved; send me suggestions/questions.
Thank you for your continued love and support, and I look forward to everything we can accomplish this year!
JY @electralane