Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Christine Spence, co-founder of DCD Approach, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.

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

We are DCD Approach Beauty and Fashion firm. Providing Hair, Make-up & Wardrobe Styling at your convenience for any event. Our client loves fashion and beauty and keeps current with trends, but loves her classic staples. Our client usually prefers boutiques to malls. Our client shops online to look for unique items. Our client loves individuality. Our client has events that would require some dazzle from our firm. Our client values time.

Being women of color in this industry have difficulties in regards to elevation and moving forward and growing and expanding. We want to be able to show that being in your later years, you can still make anything happen. You have to stay true to your brand. We believe in customer service. We believe in transparency. We want feedback to be successful at what we do. We stand for anyone of any size to know they have a voice in beauty and fashion. It's not one-dimensional. It's experimental, fun, exciting, creative, and bold. The goal is to make everyone feel confident and beautiful and have a voice in beauty and fashion. Inclusivity.

Tell us about yourself

In the winter of 2004, me and Diane McBean and Denise Whyte made one of the best decisions of our lives; they moved to Toronto, Ontario, from Montreal, Quebec, to pursue a dream. We are single mothers struggling to make ends meet and never gave up on their dream of having a stake in the fashion and beauty industry. Having no real support in making a move was a big leap of faith. Friends since the age of 14, me and Diane and Denise had a flair for beauty and fashion. In their younger years, they were recognized for creating signature looks for themselves. As the years passed, we were sought after to coordinate fashion shows for local designers to showcase their work. I specialize in make-up application and Diane in fashion styling and consulting, and Denise, the spontaneous hairstylist, made us a sought-after dream team trio for their panache in turning an individual's dream into a creative design. Our family and helping our community is what motivates us. Our dream is to be able to develop opportunities for individuals that need assistance with a start. We want to expand ourselves into many different things that will help others. We love to see people happy and winning in life.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Seeing our dream become a reality. We sat at a table together, just talking about it. We actually put it into action. When we went to Las Vegas for the magic tradeshow, it hit us how real this is. I thank God for giving us the courage and determination to see it through this far. I'm still in awe.

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

Being consistent with certain things. Knowing that it is all on you and you can't fail. Your future depends on it. The pressure of being successful. Finances for expanding.

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

Know that nothing is impossible. Where there is a will, there is a way. Sometimes you will have to be your own cheerleader, and that's ok. Get mentors. Learn from people who are successful in what you want to do and try to replicate and do it better. There is no I in Team. Having a team is the best thing you can have when growing. Know that you don't know it all, and you can rely on the right people to help you get to your goal. Be grateful for what you have done and what you will do, and the people that helped you along the way. A business plan will help you get grants or funding from investors.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I want to Thank you for the opportunity to share who is DCD Approach. We appreciate you.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.dcdapproach.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DCD-Approach-Inc-667391329986658/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dcdapproach/

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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