In 2000, after working for 8 years as a freelance makeup artist in New York City, I decided to start my own cosmetics company. I began my career as Bobbi Brown’s Head Assistant and was very involved with her cosmetics company as it was just beginning to take off. The creative aspects of the cosmetics industry come naturally to me, but the business aspects – well, those I have to work at! I like to say that I got my MBA from the University of Hands on Experience and Survival. And despite its seemingly glamorous nature, running a business in a competitive marketplace is just that—business and competition. But the challenges and hard work are worth it to me because every day that I succeed my company goes forward and I am able to share my unique talents with the world—which is my one of my two ultimate goals.
I was very fortunate in that I knew from a very early age that I wanted to be a makeup artist and that beauty was my calling. When you earn your living doing something that is meaningful to you and a reflection of yourself, you will automatically attract like minded people with whom you can develop close and meaningful friendships—and genuine friends are priceless!!
One of the smartest moves I made, both as a mother and as a businesswoman, was to close my physical office and open a “virtual office.” It took about 3 intensive months, but now all of my files are housed online on a Dropbox account (It’s free to begin and here’s an invite if you want to check it out for yourself: http://db.tt/99JNy75) and accessible anywhere in the world with an internet connection. Having a virtual office not only saves me from having to pay rent to house my employees and files, but more importantly, it gives me and my employees the flexibility to do the majority of our work anywhere, at any time – and for women, this type of flexibility is crucial in balancing the different aspects of our lives.
My other goal is to be a supporting, loving wife and mother while still achieving success as a businesswoman. I once read a quote by Mary Kay Ash when I was about 16, and it will always stay with me. She said, “God first, family second, career third.” It is incredibly wise advice, and to this day I always have it in mind. I think so many people have it all wrong – they think that being successful requires working the hardest and making the most money. I say, get your priorities straight, know what your goals are from the get-go, and do what you love! No matter what you do for a living you are going to have to work hard to get ahead, but what I have learned is that when the work is meaningful to you, it actually gives you strength rather than taking it away—and it is that very inner strength that is at the core of all personal success and happiness.
Alison Raffaele Tatem
Founder and Chief Creative Officer
Alison Raffaele Cosmetics, Inc.
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Beautifully said Alison - brave and inspiring!!
I so agree Wendy!
As a principal investor in Alison Raffaele Cosmetics, I can attest to Alison’s undaunted focus, courage, adapability, and persistence… These attributes are not uncommon in several other female entrepreneurs with whom I have become associated….Bravo!
How lucky Alison is to have a principal investor like yourself! Thanks for supporting her and her beautiful vegan and body-safe cosmetics, we love her too!!!