Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Shawaunna Middleton, Founder of Eunette Hair Essentials, L.L.C., located in Charlotte, NC, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Eunette Hair Essentials is an all-natural, handmade hair care line that was created for the "underserved" in the hair care community. People of color with kinky, curly, loc'd, and/or super thick hair is often overlooked, and products on the market aren't made for us. We're forced to spend time and money on trial and error to figure out what works. In a way, I created these products for myself, and the community as a whole can enjoy the benefits.
Tell us about yourself
I am a serial entrepreneur; I currently own three businesses: a hair salon, Finally Loc'd, a business coaching company, Finally About Business (F.A.B.) Consulting and Eunette Hair Essentials. A little about my background, I am a licensed Cosmetologist (2010), a certified Trichologist (2021), and a licensed C.P.A. (2016). I consider myself an accidental entrepreneur, I simply followed my passions, and they led me to create these businesses, though I never in my life thought I would be an entrepreneur.
At the time of starting my first business, Finally Loc'd, I worked in Public Accounting as an International Tax Senior Associate. I enjoyed my job at the time but really wanted to bring some creativity into my life. I took a class to learn to do Sisterlocks, a specialized locking technique. I started growing my client base, and after about a year and a half, the thing took off, so I left Corporate America to run my salon full-time. About six months into full my business full time, I created my product line, Eunette Hair Essentials. As a Cosmetologist, I want to use only the best products on my clients' hair. I tested many brands and didn't find anything that worked the way I wanted, so I created it.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Being able to build one business from the ground up and leveraging that business to start and grow my other businesses.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Taking charge/ownership of your time. There are always so many things you must do in your business; if you don't prioritize and manage your time properly, you can hinder the growth of your brand.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Have a clear understanding of why you want to start the business. Have a true why, which should not just be the money because there will be many challenges that you will face that only passion and determination can help you get through.
- Outline your ideal personal and professional life before starting your business. This will help you keep your end goals in mind; that way, you won't lose sight of what you are working towards.
- Allow yourself to reflect often and celebrate the small wins and accomplishments as they come. That will help you to stay motivated and will help you push through when it gets tough.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.eunettehairessentials.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eunettehairessentials
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eunettehairessentials/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawaunna-middleton-cpa-380a8456/
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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