Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in beauty services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Linh Nguyen, owner of Beyond Beauty, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.

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

Beyond Beauty is an award-winning salon specializing in lash extensions. We always strive to make all our clients feel warm and welcome while treating them to a relaxing lash extension service. We continue to provide quality products and education for the health and longevity of our clients' lash services.

Tell us about yourself

I come from a family of entrepreneurs, such as my parents and grandparents. They taught me the importance of running my own business. After working as a lash stylist employee for many years, I decided that I wanted more flexibility and freedom to create my life.

I wanted to initiate my own vision in the lash extension industry. Starting my own business was the best way to do that. I want to deliver high-quality service and create the best look for my customer. I have a passion for lash extensions and customizing each customer's look, and achieving the best style for their face. I enjoy having my clients feel great at the end of the service.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I feel that my biggest accomplishment is acknowledging that it’s not just about beauty; it’s about creating a successful community within my industry and wonderful clients. I connect with each client individually and make sure they’re fully educated as well as experiencing a relaxing lash service. You need to accept that it’s not just a service but an experience, and it may not be for everyone, and that’s ok. This thinking allowed me to maintain my clients and create a successful referral lead generating accomplishment.

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

First, I think many business owners like myself would say the hardest part of being a business owner is work-life balance. Having two small children and creating a schedule that works to keep me present as a mom and a business owner is definitely a challenge. Through trial and error and having a great support system, such as my husband, family, and friends, makes it easier. Secondly, the transition from starting as a stylist and becoming a business owner is a big learning curve. You take it one challenge at a time.

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

  1. Love what you do! This is extremely important as you will be doing it every day, and passion for what you do will make each milestone in your business worth it.
  2. Try to connect and know your ideal customer. What are your perfect customers' likes, and hobbies, and what jobs do they have or passions they enjoy? Connecting with them from the beginning of the service to the end helps you listen to their needs and gear your business towards that.
  3. Take your time to build a team of employees who you trust. We sometimes take on a lot and are quick to hire to serve many customers. Take the time to ask the right questions and get a feel for them. Are they great for this industry and the community of clients you created?

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

It's ok to fail, failure is a way of learning and growing, and there is no shame in that. Some of the most successful entrepreneurs are the ones who have fallen the most yet get back up and keep going. It makes you stronger as a person and a business owner. Also, understanding early failures will help you decide if you’re on the right business journey.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.beyondbeautysalon.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beyondbeautylash
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondbeautysalon/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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