MILLENNY WOMAN OF THE MONTH - Keela Fowler
“Do your best and forget the rest.”
In the month of September meet Keela! This amazing womanpreneur, who's not only dedicating her time to educate fourth-graders but also founded a company to help women learn all about accessible makeup following her dream to become a makeup artist and help women transform.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and what do you do?
My name is Keela Fowler and I’m the founder and CEO of eightyfive beauty. My company’s mission is to kick intimidation to the curb and help makeup feel accessible and easy to women. It can feel intimidating, and I want women to know that the idea that they are supposed to know “all things makeup” is ridiculous. They can learn and I can help.
I do monthly Facebook Live videos sharing tips and strategies on different makeup products and techniques so women can learn how to implement those looks or products into their makeup routines. Additionally, I help them understand the purpose behind that product in order to decide if it’s something they want to use.
I offer a signature course, the Makeup Coaching Program (MCP), that teaches women how to identify their likes and dislikes in makeup so that they can make informed choices while makeup shopping. This empowers women to feel confident when makeup shopping because they know which products work for them and meet their individual needs.
What do you think is the biggest difference between 9to5 and entrepreneurship?
I think the biggest difference between 9 to 5 and entrepreneurship is that freedom, control, responsibility are all amplified. With entrepreneurship, your effort directly impacts the success or lack thereof of your business. There’s a freedom in being able to decide what your work hours will be, where you’d like to work from, and who you want to work with. You have to make decisions and be disciplined in order to create a work schedule and environment that works for you. It all falls on you in entrepreneurship, which can be both exhilarating and terrifying at the same time.
What challenging things are you working through these days?
In addition to being an entrepreneur, I’m also a fourth-grade teacher. Balancing the start of the school year, creating new courses for eightyfive beauty, and moving to a new home all in the same month is my biggest challenge of the moment. Also, finding time to read is a challenge! I often listen to audiobooks in the summer but come fall, I’m ready to crack open the spine of a book.
What are you looking forward to in the coming months?
I’m currently developing a new course that women can take at their own pace, unlike MCP, which is a guided program over the 4 weeks with scheduled coaching calls. This new course will include a collection of “how-to” videos demonstrating the various makeup products on the market and the ways they can be used. What women have shared with me is that they often don’t know how to use products or what their purpose is. This new course will allow women to begin with whichever feature or product they want and educate themselves based on their interest and need. In life, I’m looking forward to the winter holidays. Last year was really hard because my mom passed away in November. I’m looking forward to hopefully feeling more joy and less grief.
What is the hardest lesson you’ve learned?
The hardest lesson I feel I’m continually learning is that you have to be willing to ask for help and receive it. It can be hard to ask for help, but the relief I feel once I receive it is incredible. The more I ask for and allow others to help in my business and life, the easier things feel. Entrepreneurship can feel lonely, but you’re not alone. Find people you trust and let them in.
Name 3 books that you think everyone should read and why?
I could only think of two that have really stuck with me.
1. The Woman I Wanted To Be by Diane von Furstenberg. This book gave me clarity and perspective on taking changes and becoming clear on what you want for your life. It helped give me permission to step into being who I want.
2. #GIRLBOSS by Sophia Amoruso. #GIRLBOSS helped me realize that there is no one way to build a business. You can look to others as an example and for inspiration, but the path you create will be unique to your strengths, challenges, and choices. It also reminded me of how much you can accomplish with grit and unstoppable determination.
Any small gestures from a stranger that made a big impact on you?
No one particular instance comes to mind. However, a simple smile goes a long way any day of the week. It reminds me that we can all have a massive impact when we lead with kindness.
What do you wish you knew more about?
I wish I knew more about natural ingredients that are used in makeup and perform well over time. I’m learning more and more about clean makeup and products that don’t have as many harmful ingredients. It is surprising, when you begin doing your research, how many ingredients people are sensitive or allergic to.
What hobby would you get into if time and money weren’t an issue?
I would absolutely love to travel more. I love reading and visiting bookstores. I would want to travel to different unique towns and visit independent bookstores and peruse the aisles drinking a perfect hazelnut soy latte.
What’s in your MILLENNY bag? I
In my Millenny Brera Tote I keep my laptop, planner, my ideas notebook, and at least three lip color options.
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