Find out more about Iwona Cislo, founder of Richmond-based Artliner permanent makeup.
How would you describe your business in one sentence?
I offer Micropigmentation treatment; a bespoke semi-permanent enhancement that highlights the natural beauty or helps to camouflage skin imperfections.
When did you launch and who is behind it?
I launched my business 11 years ago.
What did you do prior to starting your business?
I have a master degree in fine arts. I temporarily worked as an assistant in a dental practice, working for Christian Dior fashion house and for the Tate Galleries. I worked in customer relations office offering very personalised experience with a luxury touch and sophistication.
When did your lightbulb moment happen?
Lightbulb moment came from personal circumstances. Due to underactive thyroid gland, the growth of my eyebrows was affected.
I was looking for all the options to enhance my face and make myself look 'normal'.
Many people struggle with confidence, especially when various medical conditions or hormonal changes affect their appearance. It motivated me to genuinely make a difference for someone in similar position to mine.
What would you say were three of the most challenging aspects of setting up the business?
First: I had to find commercial premises suitable to accommodate a special treatment practice. I was a one-person business, and it was challenging to find a landlord who would trust a novice with no reference, and of course the cost of it all.
The smartest career decision you made….
Staying true to myself and rejecting repeated advice to branch out into the beauty or aesthetic medicine business. I stayed focused and dedicated to becoming a specialist provider of micro pigmentation services only.
The most difficult lesson you learnt…
The realisation that I am not skilled to do everything myself. It is wise to use professional help wherever possible. l am now willingly looking for ways to outsource anything that could be done better by someone else.
The best career advice you received…
Invest in thorough, passionate training and never stop learning. Equally important is listening to clients - understanding their needs is essential to building a meaningful and successful practice.
What type of support have you received since starting your business?
At the very beginning, just one genuine person - forever grateful to Anna Nowe and her help - who runs her own hair salon generated half of my traffic. She stood up for me with open support.
Now, I am growing my business mainly through referrals, happy clients and word of mouth are the best source of support.
What type of support (if any) have you received from the council in relation to your business?
I joined the Zenith Enterprise Program, it integrated me into the area and brought me the spirit of community.
If you had the opportunity to do it all again, what would you do differently?
I would give myself more confidence, reassurance and trust my abilities sooner.
Top three tips you to aspiring entrepreneurs/launching a business
Be honest.
Be confident.
Be prepared to work hard.
Please finish this sentence. I like being based in Richmond because…
It is a fabulous area with a strong sense of community spirit - an ideal setting to grow a people-focused business.
It is a borough of London that proudly supports clean environment and natural beauty, this gives a perfect combination for a stable work life balance.
How can people find you?
- Address: Artliner Studio, 14 Richmond Hill, Richmond, TW10 6QX
- Instagram: @artlinersemipermanentmakeup
- Website: Artliner.co.uk