If your daily pick-me-uppers are literally your wide collection of lipsticks, a huge stash of skincare and haircare products and some makeup tutorials on YouTube, then being a beauty entrepreneur may have entered your mind a few times. If rough times certainly do not stop you from envisioning yourself as a successful beauty mogul ala Kylie Jenner or RihRih, then maybe you should start somewhere, even a single step as little as watching some movies inspired by the business of beauty!

1)Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C. J. Walker (2020)

Debuting early this year on Netflix, Self Made series is based on the real life story of America’s first ever black female self-made millionaire, Madam C.J. Walker. Born Sarah Breedlove in 1867, Madam C.J. Walker revolutionized the haircare industry with her brand catering to black women. After more than a century since her death, Madam C.J. Walker’s influence is still present in the business of beauty, even inspiring Sephora to make Madam C.J. Walker Beauty Culture haircare line with Sundial Brands back in 2016.

The beauty mogul is played by Oscar winner Octavia Spencer. The show also stars Tiffany Hadish as Leila, Madam C.J. Walker’s daughter. This original Netflix show is so inspiring as it shows how a black woman successfully overcame all the obstacles in the beauty business in an era when black people were denied access to regular distribution channels, and made herself a well-known millionaire and philanthropist.

2) Like A Boss (2020)

Like A Boss is a comedy film released also early this year, starring Tiffany Haddish, Rose Byrne and Salma Hayek.

Haddish and Byrne play the roles of two longtime besties Mia Carter and Mel Paige, who are running their independent beauty label Mia&Mel. The plot unfolds as the two were enticed to have Claire Luna (Hayek) as their benefactor due to financial problems.

The mix of comedy, friendship and beauty biz in the movie is touching enough to make you aspire to build your own beauty empire with your BFF, because you can totally nail it and shoot for the stars especially if the two of you know how to play your cards right.

3) Beauty Shop (2005)

Beauty Shop stars legendary rapper and actress Queen Latifah in this spin-off of the Barbershop film franchise. The cast also includes Alicia Silverstone, Andie MacDowell and Mena Suvari.

Queen Latifah is Gina Norris, a widowed hairstylist who has to move from Chicago to Atlanta so her daughter can attend a private music school. Her self-centered and domineering boss Jorge, played by Kevin Bacon, is always difficult to her, criticizing her every move. This made her decide to set up her own beauty shop, purchasing a run-down salon with the help of a loan officer.

Gina navigates her own beauty business, as she faces some troubles thrown her way by her former boss who suddenly sees her as a competition. This funny yet heartwarming movie can serve as an inside push if you’re on the fence between staying at your 8-5 job and starting your own beauty business. Don’t decide a little too fast though because realistically, you still have to thoroughly weigh the pros and cons before you take the leap! These films are worth your time though if you are into beauty, business, some dose of motivation and loads of entertainment!