THE CULTUR E
Renewal
Beauty Rules words by ASHLEY CARLINI photos by JAMEY PRICE
Layne Barter’s makeup business has proven that with a little hard work and determination, you can turn what you love into a thriving career. Layne sat down with QC Exclusive to talk about her inspiration, challenges, and milestones.
What started your interest in style and beauty? Was it always a dream of yours to pursue a career that incorporated it?
“I really wanted to push myself to take a chance, to see if I could make a career out of doing something I loved.”
I grew up dancing competitively and was doing stage makeup by age ten, so I think my love for makeup started there. I also had a natural talent for it. My mother was a cosmetologist for many years, so I honestly think it’s in my blood. How did you make the decision to start your own business?
I worked in the dental field for about six years as an insurance coordinator and was also doing makeup part-time on the weekends to fuel my creative side. After being laid off unexpectedly, I made the decision to pursue makeup full-time First, I wanted to know where my next paycheck was coming from and second, I really wanted to push myself to take a chance to see if I could make a career out of doing something I loved.
66 • qcexclusive.com • MAR/APR 2017
What were the challenges involved in launching your business?
I was starting from scratch. It was hard to break into an industry that thrives on referrals and word of mouth. I was lucky to meet several talented industry professionals who allowed me the chance to work with them, and who helped me to get my name out there.