Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Caitlin Henning, owner of CM BEAUTY, located in Royal Oak, MI, USA.

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

I have been in the beauty industry for 13 years and have my own salon, ONYX, inside My Salon Suites in Clawson, MI, as a hair and makeup artist. I specialize in blonde hair, balayage, and bridal makeup. My hair clients trust me to keep their hair healthy, bright, and low maintenance. My makeup clients appreciate my soft hand in executing a natural makeup look, in which they can still feel like themselves!

Tell us about yourself

After attending David Pressley School of Cosmetology in Royal Oak, I specialized in men's hair for five years. I needed more of a challenge, so I moved salons and started learning women's color and bridal makeup. At this point, I was working 60+ hours a week, feeling confident in my skills. I then bounced around from salon to salon and eventually built up the confidence and clientele to go into business for myself. Creating an LLC website, setting up my own online booking, and purchasing all of my own supplies was a lot of work, but I couldn't be happier as an entrepreneur for three years now! Going to work as an artist every day is my biggest motivation, and I couldn't picture myself in any other industry. If anything, I want to do more. My journey has now led me to the creation of Bloom Beauty, a website I have been working on for two years now with my best friend/business partner Rachael Buffa. Our mission is to connect you with the best beauty professionals in your area with ease and efficiency. Coming Soon!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Putting in the work and seeing my business grow has been my biggest accomplishment. After working in so many salons, you see what works and what doesn't. You have to put that knowledge to use and really push yourself. When you are your own boss, you need to motivate yourself every single day. Creativity is key to advertising, and laziness isn't an option if you want to be successful.

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

The hardest thing about being a business owner is that work never stops. Even outside of the salon, I have to stay on top of inventory, advertise, answer to clients, etc. Staying organized and setting boundaries is KEY to maintaining your sanity.

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

Before starting a business, I would ask yourself a few questions:

  • Am I organized?
  • Am I self-motivating?
  • Am I creative?
  • Am I good at setting boundaries?
  • Can I handle different personality types?

If I were to give tips on starting a business, the first would be to get a job in customer service to learn PEOPLE. You can go to school and get good grades, but your personality and how you deal with people are everything.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I'd like to say thank you for the opportunity of letting me share my journey to becoming an entrepreneur! If anything, I hope this inspires someone to do the same.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.caitlinmichellebeauty.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Caitlinmichellebeauty/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cm_beautyy/

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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