BELLA FACCIA 'BEAUTIFUL FACE' AIRBRUSH MAKEUP

OWNER: Meredith Tompkins

ADDRESS: 1141 Broad St., Augusta

TELEPHONE: (706) 724-0040

E-MAIL: ladolcevita.augusta@ yahoo.com

NUMBER OF YEARS OPEN: One.

WHAT YOUR BUSINESS DOES: We use high-definition makeup combined with airbrush technology to achieve perfect coverage and flawless skin. It's the most sanitary form of makeup, because you're not reusing the product. It lasts 18 hours with minimal touch-ups, nontransferrable, sweat/smudge and tear-proof. Makeup sits on top of the skin, so it doesn't clog the pores. We specialize in bridal portraits, weddings, film and editorial work.

NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: Three.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO THIS BUSINESS: I stumbled into the world of makeup artistry over a decade ago and never looked back. I landed a job as the makeup educator for the Southeast region of Victoria's Secret Beauty. While traveling and launching new seasonal colors and techniques, I fell in love with the ever-evolving beauty industry.

STRANGEST CLIENT/INCIDENT: A bride was so pleased with her makeup she burst into tears of happiness. Luckily, the high definition makeup stayed completely intact.

WHAT YOU LIKE ABOUT THE BUSINESS: The challenges of staying on the cutting edge of the industry. And the rewards of keeping clients pleased and coming back for more.

WHAT YOU DON'T LIKE ABOUT THE BUSINESS: Clients are more educated, so you have to stay on top of this industry. When others do not stay current and motivated, it's an insult to our profession.

WHY YOUR BUSINESS STANDS OUT: I am the first certified and trained TEMPTU makeup artist in Georgia. We have a creative eye that allows us to see balance and design.

ORGANIZATIONS/EVENTS INVOLVED IN: Intercoiffure International, Temptu NYC/LA, Augusta Cyclocross Coalition/Giro Cycling Team, Locks of Love, and Revlon Artisting Design Team (Gloria Timmerman), Augusta Players, La Chat Noir, and Phinizy Swamp Stomp 5K.

AWARDS: Top makeup artist in the Southeast region for Victoria's Secret Beauty. Paul Mitchell Calendar Cover Shoot.

YOUR BEST BUSINESS ADVICE: Walt Disney said, "If you love what you do, you've never worked a day in your life."

WHERE YOU SEE YOUR BUSINESS IN FIVE YEARS/10 YEARS: On magazine covers, more editorial work. We want to be a growing success in the community of Augusta and throughout the Southeast.

MOST IMPORTANT BUSINESS PRINCIPLE: Stand behind your work and still maintain who you are.

BIGGEST CHALLENGES IN THE BUSINESS: Not enough time. Life's too short not to feel beautiful.

ROLE MODELS/INSPIRATIONS: Judy Chin, Carmindy and the late Kevin Aucoin. W magazine. What inspires us? Change.