Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Eve Dawes, Owner of Glamour and Gains, located in Las Vegas, NV, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I have a few: 'Glamour and Gains' luxury lifestyle blog, 'Shoe Trend Updates' covering all of the latest shoe trends, and 'Dawes Custom Cosmetics' a cruelty-free custom lipstick company with a ready-to-wear collection that's available on Walmart.com. My online and in-person customers are predominantly women based in the US, Canada, England, and Australia.
Tell us about yourself
I am a successful fashion blogger at Glamour and Gains, the #1 fashion blog in Las Vegas, and Shoe Trend Updates, the #10 best footwear blog in the world (feedspot.com). I'm also the Founder of Dawes Custom Cosmetics and a WBFF Pro Diva. I'm a highly sought-after content creator and coach for fitness and pageant coaching, having served as both Mrs. England World 2020 and Mrs. Nevada United States 2017.
I started my career as a ballerina, touring with the Vienna Festival Ballet and Amar Amalia before going into fitness and then the world of fashion. I have always followed my heart and passion to choose my career path.
Having worn tutus, tiaras, and pointe shoes from a young age shaped my love of feminine, glam fashion, and I have no fear of uncomfortable shoes. Known for my accurate trend forecasting, making runway trends work in real life, and creating both designer and luxe for less edits to make fashion accessible to all. You can expect lots of fabulous fashion and high heels on both of my blogs, Glamour and Gains and Shoe Trend Updates.
I love what I do, so to me, it's not work. I get up and want to research and write about the latest trends. Who doesn't want to look and feel their best and be able to express themselves? Fashion and makeup allow us to do that. Plus, I'm not on a salary. If I'm not working, I'm not earning, and all of us need to eat!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Staying in business and growing as a business. So many businesses fail, and it's not always because they're not great. It's often because people give up too quickly. Very few experience overnight success. For most of us, it's long hours and the work you don't see, day after day, year after year without giving up that leads to success.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Trying to wear too many hats and being able to say no. I still find saying no to people hard, but there are only so many hours in a day that I have to prioritize and do want makes sense.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- It may seem like a great idea to you but will people actually use it, or do they want it?
- Do competitor research to make sure you can compete with what's already out there, and make sure you have USPs that set you apart.
- Know your numbers. Does the ROI make sense? How much is it going to cost you versus how much are your expected returns, and how long will it take you to see a profit? Don't dig yourself; it will take too long to get out of.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://glamourandgains.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EveDawes
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glamourandgains/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/EveDawes
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eve-dawes/
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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