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Ursula's About Phace Rittenhouse Studio, Ursula Augustine
My greatest success was the opening of my studio 12 years ago.
I make the world beautiful one face at a time.
I am the owner, makeup artist, and operator of Ursula’s About Phace Rittenhouse Studio. We provide specialty beauty services such as professional makeup applications (traditional and airbrush) for real life as well as for red carpet events, print, TV, video, and film. We are also recognized for our advanced beauty services including, but not limited to: Microblading, Dermaplaning facials, lash lifts, and lash and brow tinting. As a Brand Ambassador, I have created my own private-label line of vitamin and mineral cosmetics and skincare called URS Cosmetics. I have also conducted professional makeup tutorials and image seminars for individuals and companies.
Much of my inspiration was derived from the need to fill a void I recognized in the beauty industry. So I created a comfortable and inviting space in Philadelphia where women of every age and ethnicity who don’t wear makeup can receive personalized, professional beauty: services, products, and instruction to incorporate into their everyday, real life.
SCORE has helped me in the most profound way by introducing me to my mentor Mr. Mark Maguire. SCORE also helps me with information and resources to better understand my business as well as maintain its growth.
I’m often told that what makes us special is the welcoming, peaceful environment that we’ve created, along with our commitment to offer the most creative, innovative, and unique services - all the while maintaining our authentic vibe.
The high points of being a business owner can be extremely rewarding - providing services that are needed, making new relationships, and bringing ideas to fruition. The lowest point I’ve experienced as a business owner was the collapse of the economy in 2009, a year and a half after I opened. However, I invested in my business by building a facial suite and was able to successfully weather the storm.
I first sought out SCORE for help with my business owner’s first-year tax problems.
SCORE has helped me in the most profound way by introducing me to my mentor Mr. Mark Maguire. SCORE also helps me with information and resources to better understand my business as well as maintain its growth.
There’s not enough ink in my pen to write about everything that’s great about my mentor Mr. Mark Maguire.
What makes him an exceptional mentor are the qualities he possesses naturally: his willingness to share his genius, skills, knowledge, and expertise - at a level that’s not condescending or confusing - in a concise manner that makes it easy to understand.
He demonstrates a positive attitude even at times when I am having less than positive experiences with aspects of my business. He values ongoing learning and growth in the field, and he takes a personal interest in our mentoring relationship. For these and a million more reasons, SCORE and Mr. Maguire will always have a special place in my heart and Mr. Maguire will forever be a member of the About Phace Phamily.
The advice I would share with someone thinking of starting a business would be to be very specific about your goals: write a business plan, build a support network, and find what you do best and stick with it.
I would suggest they go to SCORE. You’ll be working with the perfect mentor based on your needs, your industry, and your location and they’ll be available to connect with you as needed to provide you with special advice and extra support to help grow your business into a successful and profitable business.
I’ve learned that one cannot rest on their laurels and must continue to innovate and move on.
