Innovative. Go-getter. These are words that came to mind during my interview with New Jersey native E’toshia McFarland. Simply put, E’toshia is a woman of many hats. She has an idea and she puts it into action. This is the process that gave birth to all…yes, all…of her business pursuits. E’toshia is owner and creator of Faces by E’tosh, Events by E’tosh, and her blog, E’tosh Xperience. This interview definitely reaffirmed the idea that we should all pursue our passion. Read on to get to know E’toshia McFarland.
Truly Charmed Spotlight: E’toshia McFarland
.AC: Tell me about E’toshia, the woman.
EM: I’m originally from Newark NJ, where I attended a performing arts high school. I came down here (to South Carolina) in 2003 when I graduated from high school. I attended Morris College for two semesters and then I transferred to USC after my mom suggested that I continue to pursue my dance career. I became a dance major. I changed my major and decided to teach. That’s what I’m doing now. I’m a teaching assistant at a preschool. I wear many hats. I am a self-taugh make-up artist, blogger, and I host events through my business, Events by E’tosh.
AC: When did you decide that entrepreneurship was the move for you?
EM: It was about two years ago. I decided that the same way that I’m putting so much time into someone else’s business by going to work every day, I could be using my own talents.
AC: As you said, you wear so many hats, building each of your businesses. What is your passion?
EM: They all tie in to each other. I like the production part of things because I’m able to execute my ideas and see them come to life. This is how Bow Ties & Heels came about. I wanted to create something unique for people to do, so in 2012 my boyfriend and I coordinated the first Bow Ties & Heels. We’ve held the party annually since then. I see it as a home brand that I’m trying to build.
AC: I’ve heard about your Musical Beauty Circuit class. Tell me more about it.
EM: I’ve been doing makeup for a while (Faces by E’tosh). I love being a make-up artist because it allows me to creating eye-popping beauty looks for women. My Musical Beauty Circuit class is an extension of Faces by E’tosh. I came up with this idea when I participated in a six-week business program for women entrepreneurs at Columbia College (Columbia, SC). The idea of the Musical Beauty Circuit was influenced by my background in dance. I wanted to make a production of it. The class is composed of three segments, like an exercise class, the warm-up, the routine, and the cool down. The warm-up is me discussing skincare. The routine is the part of class when I instruct about make-up, whether I focus on eyes or whatever the clients wants. During the cool-down we review what was taught.
AC: How often are the classes held?
EM: The first one was held in January of this year. I decided that they will be held every other month, unless someone wants to host a class in their home. This allows me time to re-up on supplies and advertise.
E’toshia is also a beauty blogger. Check out her blog at www.etoshxperience.com
AC: Is there a certain business person who inspires you?
EM: That’s a hard question. I have loved ones who I can always go to for advice and encouragement-my sorority sisters, my mom, my boyfriend. They’re always there for me. They will also bring me back down to earth when needed.
AC: What has been your most challenging obstacle as a business woman and how did you push through it?
EM: My biggest obstacles: keeping my confidence where it needs to be and being consistent. We all have our moments when we doubt ourselves. I’ll find myself thinking about how my business is not growing as expected. Sometimes we compare ourselves to others and that causes doubt. The way that I deal with those moments is by going back and reflecting on all that I have done and not measuring myself by what someone else may be doing. That’s a mistake a lot of us make…comparing ourselves to others. You have to stay in your own lane…celebrate your own accomplishments.
AC: What advice would you give to other women who are considering entrepreneurship?
EM: The advice I would give to a female entrepreneur comes from two quotes. The first quote is from Pinterest and reads “she turned her can’ts into cans and her dreams into plans.” The second comes from a recent read, “Girl, Just Quit!,” where the author refers to a quote by Grant Cordone. It reads “as long as you are alive, you will either live to accomplish your own goals and dreams or be used as a resource to accomplish someone else’s.” With these two quotes I would encourage future female entrepreneurs to go for whatever dreams they may have.
AC: What has been your proudest moment in business, so far?
EM: I’m proud of the collaborations with others and relationships that have been built through those collaborations. I love that there is an awareness of my businesses. It makes me feel good when I’m out and about and someone may say “I’m looking forward to the next Bow Ties & Heels, when is it?”
AC: What’s up next for you?
EM: The next Bow Ties & Heels will take place on April 23rd in Columbia. I also co-authored an e-book. The title is “After Why Comes How”. It can be found on Amazon and www.divaswithapurpose.com.
Thanks to E’toshia for this great interview. I definitely wish her continued success in all of her endeavors. Follow E’toshia across social media!
Blog: EtoshXperience.com
Faces By Etosh: Facesbyetosh.com
Events By Etosh:https://www.facebook.com/EventsbyETOSH-264527200290334/
After Why Comes How: http://bit.ly/23mxiKi
Until next time…let’s continue to claim our charmed lives!
-Antoinette
Truly Charmed is all about celebrating the accomplishments of women who are determined to make their dreams reality. Have you met Kierra Jones, owner of The K.Jones Collection? Read her story HERE.
Interested in being featured? Email TrulyCharmedOne@gmail.com
