March 27, 2017

Meet Carly-Victoria Ogletree of Vi Beauty in Snellville

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Carly-Victoria Ogletree.

Carly-Victoria, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
In 2015, I started college as a sociology major but after a financial hardship I was forced to leave school. I finally decided I couldn’t just work or sit at home anymore so I knew it was time for another plan. During this time, I was finding myself and coming up with other ways to better myself and my life. It wasn’t until spring of 2016 that I decided to attend a small beauty school in my area. I was always into make-up but I never took into consideration that this was one of my natural talents. I began working as a beauty advisor for Estée Lauder, and I loved serving the women at the counter. As time went on I realized two things: I hated cosmetology school and I hated working with make up for another company. I didn’t like doing hair because it just wasn’t my niche, and I didn’t like my job anymore because I realized I was accomplishing someone else’s dream. There was no individuality and I didn’t feel free to express myself. So I quit both. In the fall, I was unemployed and I was no longer a student. It was time for another plan. I got certified as a makeup artist though Glam Lab Make Up Studios and I’ve been trying to build my clientele as a newly certified artist ever since. I make videos and post pictures of all of my makeup styles as well as skin care regimens for those that don’t wear makeup. I’m active on social media and I always encourage my followers to be themselves, love themselves, and to recognize me as a regular person and not someone that they’re afraid to reach out to. Business gets slow but I never give up. This is something that I’m truly passionate about and I’m willing to defy the odds for my company.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road to success is a hard and a lonely one. In the beginning, it’s very slow. People don’t trust you or your work because they don’t know who you are. I don’t just mean credibility. I got certified thinking that would build consumer trust, however, that’s not the case. People trust the name more than anything. Once you build your brand and word gets around about who you are and what you’re doing, the opportunities start to appear more frequently. This was a concept that was and is still hard for me to understand. Also, my support system was a struggle. Not only is having people who trust you important but having people that believe in you is just as important. Some people SAY they believe in you and your craft but a lot of people aren’t willing to DO anything that shows they believe. I’ve given people business cards that I’ve seen collecting dust in the corner of their rooms and I’ve even had people see my career as a hobby. The funny thing is both types of people still ask me for free services to this day. When all else fails you need to remember you’re your number one supporter and as long as you believe in yourself absolutely anything and everything is accomplishable.

Please tell us about Vi Beauty.
VI Beauty is a freelance makeup artist company. I’m an internationally certified makeup artist and I specialize in event make up. I’m known for vibrant colors, designs, glitter, and enhancing natural features. I’m most proud of having a company of authenticity. The name Vi comes from my name Victoria and I used it because I want bring victory to beauty and show my clients that I can achieve any look that they want put on them. I think what sets me apart is that I’m very down to earth and a great conversationalist. I’m honest with people and I never sell them on anything. My only goal is to serve others and give them what they truly want.

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite childhood memory is when I went to the Georgia aquarium and to the New World of Coke for the first time. I love the aquarium so much, I love how all of the fish there, it’s like a kaleidoscope of colors. It truly is art. My favorite exhibit is the Sting Ray Exhibit; I love how soft they are! The New World of Coke is very fascinating, I loved trying all of the Coca-Cola products from all over the world.

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