Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in beauty and cosmetics but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dino Dilio, founder of Dino Dilio Beauty, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.

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

I own and operate a private makeup studio in downtown Toronto. I opened it up in 2001. I offer makeup applications and specialize in lessons to a wide range of clients, whatever their age or stage in life. My clients include teaching University graduates how to look polished and professional for job interviews making up brides walking down the aisle, to celebrities appearing on the red carpet. The Dino Dilio Beauty Studio offers a relaxed, enlightening, and inspiring beauty experience like no other. With 30+ years, I provide an honest perspective seldom offered in the retail world. No high pressure / hard selling here!

Tell us about yourself

After many years of working in fashion, television, and a little bit of film, I needed a change. So I took a break, explored a few career counseling sessions, did some soul searching, and decided that I loved helping and teaching beauty and makeup the most, especially to the mature woman. I've always believed that if you're really serious about beauty services, they should be done in private and not at a busy cosmetic counter or noisy hair salon. At my makeup studio, the personalized attention is entirely on the client who can sit back and have her/his makeup applied for a special occasion — or learn how to do their makeup for themselves in a one-of-a-kind and renowned makeup lesson. When I receive lovely e-mails from a client telling me how much they enjoyed and learned in their session gives me great joy and confirmation that I made the right move back in 2001 and continues to inspire me daily.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Two things come to mind:
1 - Being recognized for specializing and serving the beauty needs of the oft' under-served mature woman. Word of mouth is spreading and has inspired me to create new and realistic online beauty courses.
2 - The interest and growth for my DDB Makeup line and Beauty Books.

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

You are constantly changing hats and playing many roles from accountant to shipping clear to social media and being a cleaning lady. I always say, "I'm a one-man-band." It only becomes stressful when I fall behind. Organization and flexibility are important for the fast-paced world we now live in. My business day can change from hour to hour. I have a good handle on things and laugh when I fill mail orders in my pj's.

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

  1. Are you passionate about your business idea? If you aren't, forget it. No passion equals no profit.
  2. Do your market research to find out who may be your competition and what their rates, message, and marketing are.
  3. Specialize! Offer a new and welcoming service to an underserved demographic. This will set you apart from those offering an endless menu of confusing beauty services and prices.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Take time for yourself.
Take a tech-free day from all media.
Naps are good.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.dinodilio.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dinodiliobeauty/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dino.dilio/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dinodilio

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.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.