Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in beauty and cosmetics but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Cleopatra Pal, Founder of Beauty & Prosecco by Cleopatra, located in Los Angeles, CA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Beauty & Prosecco by Cleopatra was founded in 2016. My first years of business have been back in London, and in January 2021 I decided to move my platform and live in Los Angeles.

I won the Award of Excellence in Russian Volume in 2019, only 3 years after I obtain my first certificate as a lash technician by London Lash, one of the biggest lash and brow brands and academies in UK. In 2020 I won the Business of the Year, having only 5-star review rating.

When you come to my studio, you are not only getting your lashes or brows done, but you will also receive a healing energy session in my sacred place. Being a Reiki Energy Healer inspired me to create a perfect, peaceful, and spiritual environment for my clients. Candles are surrounding the place; I smudge with sage and Holy Palo Santo couples of times a day to remove the bad energy and bring abundance, love, and light. I pray and meditate daily, which brings good vibes and peace into the place.

Healing & Beauty - a magic combination.

Tell us about yourself

Well, I was born in Romania, Transylvania in 1990, February exactly after the December Revolution when they killed the president.

When I was 23 years old, I decided to move to London, I had enough of communism conception even after so many years from the Revolution After a few years living there, I decided to start university, which complicated I bit my day-to-day job. I was working in a manager position for a high-class restaurant, over 60 hours a week, and I was miserable.

I couldn't keep up with both university full-time and full-time jobs, so I was already thinking about a part-time job. Being a fashion addict since I opened my eyes from my mum's belly lol, made me think about something in fashion or the beauty industry.

I just love beautiful things or transforming everything into something beautiful.

So, I been getting my lashes done professionally already for several years, trying different places or random lash artists, but I was always disappointed at the end of the service. It was always something wrong. Most of the time, I was not getting the style I wanted, but what bugged me a lot was that there was no customer service in every venue I walk. Either the environment was not welcoming, dirty, cold, or too hot. The technician was talking too much or being on the phone, and many more examples.

Doing your lashes on any beauty treatment should be a beautiful experience. First, you pay a lot of money for that, and second, you want to enjoy that experience, that’s self-love. You are in a self-love moment why I should ruin that for you!?!

After my last experience, where I had to sit almost 4 hours for my appointment and get my super late to my new job I decided. This is it; I will do it.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I created friendships and relationships with my clients who will last a lifetime. Family!

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Probably learn to be and do everything. Form marketing, stock handling, complaints to budgeting. To cope with anxiety lol

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Don't be afraid. There is a client out there for everybody Be you that makes you special, and you will find your tribe. God is a creator and so do you. Be brave!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Being a business owner gives me all the freedom in the world now; I live in Los Angeles, doing what I love and inspiring women all over the world to get more confident and follow their dreams. Dreams do come true, and I am an example and I love it

It is not easy, but it is damn rewarding.

Will be moments or months when you will shop from Prada or Balenciaga, but also months when you eat noodles soup every day. You got to love every second to succeed here.

Where can people find you and your business?

Instagram: https://bit.ly/3PlhWTm

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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