May 1, 2017

Meet Marguerite Preston of Smudge Lash & Makeup Studio in East Lakeview

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marguerite Preston.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
As many people start off pursuing their passion, I too started at a young age embracing the beauty industry. It was always something that made me happy, even if I was applying makeup for Prom or just a night out for my girlfriends. However, I decided to take the college route. I graduated from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale with a major in Sociology and a minor in Psychology. I soon realized I still wasn’t completely fulfilled with the career path I have chosen. That is when I decided to follow my dream of becoming a professional Makeup Artist. I attended Makeup First School of Makeup Artistry in Chicago. After I was certified I hit the ground running doing as much work as possible. A lot of times it would be non-paid work, but I did it anyways. I then started working in the wedding industry, which jumpstarted my career. With 5 years’ experience I continue to stay educated on all the upcoming trends. While my true passion is Makeup, I decided I wanted to offer another service. Eyelash Extensions have become one of the most popular trends in the past few years, so I decided to add that to my resume. With extensive training and hands on learning, I received my Eyelash Extension certification through Xtreme Lashes in August of 2016. I now run my own studio in East Lakeview where my clients can come for either of the two services I offer. It is true what ‘they’ say, loving what you do, is not work. I truly love going to my studio every day and meeting so many amazing people, all while making them feel beautiful!

Has it been a smooth road?
I believe that anyone who has started their own business, has not had a smooth road leading up to their success. I believe it takes a certain person to become an entrepreneur. I soon realized that just a few short weeks after receiving both my certifications. I really had to ‘hit the ground running’ in all areas of owning your own business. Those areas include: Networking, Marketing, Social Media, Book keeping, Website building, etc. I still, to this day, continue to work at being better in all those areas. It is especially hard when it is just me running my business. Luckily, I have the support of many others in the industry, along with my family and friends that continue to help me along the process. So no, it definitely has not been a smooth road, but every day the road does seem to get a bit smoother as the ride goes on!

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Smudge Lash & Makeup Studio – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Smudge Lash & Makeup Studio is about luxury. Both of the services I offer are high-end services. Meaning, most people would not get their makeup done on a Tuesday afternoon, whereas they would get their nails done. However, I believe every woman should look and feel their best at any time they feel they should. I have had a few clients come get their makeup done for a first date or for an interview. I can use little to no makeup, but still enhance your beauty or I can airbrush and apply a bold lip. That is what makes Smudge stand out among the others. My clients feel confident knowing they will get the look they want to achieve.

I love the eyelash extensions because they enhance your beauty without adding makeup. They add a pop to your entire face! As my clients say ‘they are addicting!’ Smudge offers a range of different looks for the eyelash extensions, from natural to bold. They can last up to 3 weeks and no mascara needed!

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love this city because of its beauty! The skyline, the beach, the people! I love how unified we are as a city (besides the White Sox and the Cubs) ;). I couldn’t imagine myself living anywhere else!
The one thing I don’t love about Chicago (which I am sure everyone agrees) is the winter. Winters in Chicago can be quite brutal with the snow and the cold and the winds… ugh!

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