
Tell us about a bit about yourself and your background.
Ever heard of a town in the Eastern Cape called Aberdeen?
Well pleased to say that I grew up there. During my High School years, I have developed a serious liking for makeup and the art around it as well as travelling. However, after finishing school I went to study in Stellenbosch, Photography and Graphic Designing. In 2006 I started working at a well-known cosmetic retail store in Cape Town and this is where my journey started in Makeup Artistry. Grabbing all opportunities to learn more about the art and products. Travelling was still high on my bucket list and in 2010 I joined my first ship in Stavanger, Norway. Still doing what I have a passion for, cosmetics and the art of it!
After seeing the world for seven years and constantly staying up to date with the newest and latest Makeup Artistry techniques and products, it was time to settle. We never know in advance what story is written for us, but we landed in Kathu on 21 May 2018. Thankful for my adventures and life experiences and equally grateful to be able to live in Kathu.
At what stage in your life did you decide to get into business?
When I returned to South Africa in April 2017, there was no doubt that I needed to start my own business. To be able to share the art and help others in need of a Makeup Artist for all occasions.

What sets your business apart from other businesses in your industry?
Apart from my unique style in the industry, I would say friendliness, professionalism, and comfort. Strange that the word comfort would come to mind, but have you ever thought about how crazy things can get when you have a photoshoot coming up or your wedding is around the corner, combined with daily life?
Well, need I say more! I like to provide comfort for clients so that when they stand up from my makeup stair, they feel powerful, confident, and ready for what is to come.
What has been your driving force as an entrepreneur?
To be able to become independent!
Making my own decisions by creating something new and different. There’s great value in being in charge of your business and building it on your own, despite the responsibility and risk that you take.
How did you come up with the name for your company? How easy or difficult was it?
I have tried different names. However, in my opinion, it is better to use my name and maiden surname. You might meet people, and they can make the connection back to your business and get talking about it.
What kind of culture exists in your organisation, and how did you establish it?
Being the only ’employee’ at Vicky Gericke Professional Makeup Artist, I like to keep the company culture positive.
What does your business do? What products or services do you offer?
Vicky Gericke Professional Makeup Artist, provides makeup services for all occasions. Internationally trained Makeup Artist and have been in the industry since 2006.

How has being an entrepreneur affected your life?
In all decisions you make in life, there will be pros and cons, it is no secret.
Freedom – is an important thing that entrepreneurship offers, it positively affects my life.
Would you change anything in terms of your journey in business?
I would have started Vicky Gericke Professional Makeup Artist ten years earlier!
How do you manage the balance of being an entrepreneur?
The best trick that I have learned is using the CALENDER on my phone. I add all my notes and ‘to-do-lists’, the date and time to the calendar so I can plan in advance! It is very easy to use and I receive the reminders necessary to get things done in time!
Tip of the year – schedule time to take care of yourself. Plan it, put the time aside: 1 hour per day, 1 day per week, 1 weekend per month, and 1 week per term. If you don’t take care of yourself, there will be no business. It’s just that simple. If you are in a relationship, then you should schedule time to spend with your partner, or your relationship will suffer.
What motivates you every day?
You have to focus on getting your name out in public, and not promoting your brand enough will not bring new clients. It motivates me to make it easy for potential clients to find Vicky Gericke Professional Makeup Artist on most platforms.
What is your vision in business?
A vision to me is more than just a goal, a vision is my hopes and dreams; the picture of what has not yet happened, but what the future may hold. Dare to step out of my comfort zone and face the next opportunity. I do believe that a vision in anyone’s business changes with time. So, at this point, my vision is to become a well-known brand in the makeup industry where I not only anticipate to meet the needs of my intended clients but also ensure that I exceed whatever expectations that they might have had. I trust to be a trendsetter in the industry.
What is your mission?
My mission is when someone thinks of a Makeup Artist my name comes to mind. The aim is not just for Kathu but the surroundings as well.
What are your values in your business?
My word is my honor.
How do you define success in business?
Success in my industry would be a client leaving truly happy and satisfied, telling family and friends about Vicky Gericke Professional Makeup Artist.

Do you believe that entrepreneurs are born or made and why?
Partially both!
You are born a leader, but you do not have the tools or the guts to start your own business at a younger age. With experience and being like a sponge to learn the trick and tips, your natural instinct will spring into gear once the time is right.
What is your favourite thing you like about being an entrepreneur?
I can get creative as much as my brain can handle, a major plus point for me.
What has been your most greatest achievement in business?
Potential clients recognizing my work and name on social media, then I must be doing something right.
Could you please give us links to your business?
WhatsApp:
064 651 2678
Instagram account:
https://www.instagram.com/vicky.gericke.artist/
TikTok account:
https://www.tiktok.com/@vickygerickeartist/
Website:
https://uptasker.co.za/b/vicky-gericke-artist
Are you an entrepreneur based in Kathu? Would you like to be interviewed?
Get in touch with us at Kathubiz dot co.za