Lindsey Benoit owns About Face of New Orleans in Metairie. She recently spoke with Nola Family about her business and life as a mom.

Lindsey Benoit always loved makeup, but she never dreamed she could make a career of it. A graduate of Edna Karr High School in Algiers, Benoit earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees before spending the next 11 years as a teacher and cheerleading coach. 

While the Lakeview resident loved teaching and helping her students see how special they were, Benoit sought a less stressful life. She opened About Face in Old Metairie in 2014 and now helps young people see their beauty – both inside and out. 

What inspired you to launch your own business?   

Even though I loved educating children, I needed a fresh start. My husband and I decided to franchise my sister-in-law’s and brother’s makeup store in Mandeville.

While it is stressful, it is a different kind of stress. I still teach the youth but in a different way. Now, I educate them on loving their beautiful selves and teaching them how to properly apply makeup based on what is age-appropriate.  

What is the most rewarding part of owning your own business? 

The most rewarding part is seeing a smile on the face of a client when she feels beautiful. It’s a great feeling when you see a young girl who just had her makeup done for prom light up because of how beautiful she feels, or noticing a young person’s self-esteem grow because of the treatments we have provided.   

Do you find owning your own business gives you more flexibility to do things with your kids? 

It definitely  gives me more time with my kids. It’s one of the reasons I took the leap. My kids – Braylen, Reese and newborn Bryson, and stepson Alex – are young, and I want to be there for school projects, field trips and baseball games.

It’s important to me that they have my full support, and owning the store allows me to be there for those moments. 

What makeup product can you absolutely not live without?  

Just one?? I’m going to say  Glo Minerals Pressed Base is definitely my must, followed by Grande Mascara in black and Glo Minerals Cream Glaze Crayon in Heirloom.  

About Face of New Orleans, 701 Metairie Road, Metairie. 504.304.1556. aboutfacenola.com.