TheStylisted is the only dedicated network of freelance beauty and wellness professionals that allows clients to view detailed online portfolios from the network and book in-home appointments through the site.
Where it All Began
Last year, a good friend of mine got married here in Chicago. It was a black tie event and I embraced the opportunity to get dolled up. I wanted my makeup to be up to par with my formal attire so I turned to the traditional channels for help. A quick online search told me that a salon appointment would cost roughly $175 dollars and failed to provide insight into the individual stylist who would be doing my makeup. No thanks. I then called multiple department store makeup counters. I was scolded for not calling sooner (the wedding wasn’t for another week!), but told I could walk in without the promise of being seen. The day of the event I went to a department store counter, waited for nearly an hour before being seen for a hurried appointment, and in the end, I showed up to my friend’s wedding late and ready to wash my face and start all over again.
The Aha Moment
I was frustrated and absolutely baffled. I knew from my experience working for a global cosmetics brand that there were thousands of freelance makeup artists in the city, all struggling to grow their client base. I also knew, after sharing my experience with friends, that I wasn’t alone in my struggle to find beauty expertise when and where I needed it. The “accepted” method of service delivery wasn’t working for anybody:
· Clients have a recurring need for beauty services, but they have difficulty securing a trusted expert when and where they need them. This inefficiency is most apparent in the highly fragmented makeup application and hair styling segment. Clients often find it challenging to understand their options with limited transparency into the various salons, department stores and cosmetic retailers. Selecting a stylist is more often based on availability rather than specific skills. Even with thorough online research, customers are more likely to learn about the salons and stores, than the stylists.
· Stylists are seeking more freelance opportunities, but are unable to market themselves effectively to new clients without the constraint or expense of a brick and mortar establishment. Most freelance stylists rely on their personal networks and word-of-mouth to acquire customers, a process with obvious scale and efficiency issues. Most are overwhelmed by the prospect of creating their own website or do not have the resources to create a site that adequately showcases their work and draws traffic.
Enter The Solution:
Through the creation of an online platform, TheStylisted provides clients with the ability to conveniently procure in-home beauty services through an extensive, invitation-only network of top freelance beauty professionals. Clients will have the opportunity to view stylist profiles, pictures, reviews, and availability to ensure that the stylist they choose is best suited to meet their needs. In turn, stylists will have the opportunity to showcase their work and market themselves to a new and expanding customer base.
Launching in Chicago with hair and makeup services, TheStylisted will roll out into other major metropolitan areas, while increasing service offerings in the beauty and wellness space.
Our philosophy: Beauty isn't pain…it's just inconvenient!
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