Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in beauty and cosmetics but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Johanna Payeur, Owner of Jo Louise Beauty, located in Nashua, NH, USA.

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

Jo Louise Beauty is a high-end salon and gathering space for beauty professionals to thrive in their careers and artistry. Our one-of-a-kind space offers a luxurious, safe, and positive environment for guests and professionals alike. We offer hair, makeup, lash services, brow maintenance, spray tans, skincare, and more. We are also bridal specialists providing hair and makeup services for over 100 brides a year.

Tell us about yourself

My passion for the beauty industry started at a young age when I was always the one to help my friends with hair and makeup for dance recitals, school dances, or even school plays. It wasn't until I dropped out of college as a graphic design major and did some soul searching that I realized that I should refocus my energy towards turning my passion for beauty into a career. I dove in head first to get my cosmetology license and pursue my career in the beauty industry, focusing on makeup artistry until my business blossomed into the full-service salon that it is today.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is my team. To see my team grow as professionals and individuals have been an extremely rewarding experience, whether it's building a full clientele, taking the leap into booth rental, or moving far from home and starting over to build their own successful business as a hairstylist. I am so proud of them all!

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

The hardest thing about being a business owner is how lonely it can feel at times. Entrepreneurship is all-encompassing, and the sacrifices, stressors, and risks I have taken to make the business thrive often seem like unseen efforts. I am fortunate to have a great support system and to have great relationships with other small business owners who I can rely on for camaraderie in this journey.

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

  1. You need to have a thick skin. Entrepreneurship will test you more than you could imagine, and you need to be able to take it in stride.
  2. Learn to keep business and personal life separate and create a healthy work/life balance.
  3. Follow your gut when it comes to hiring and firing. Don't bring people onto your team just to fill the spot. Bring on people who will add to your business's team and will contribute positively to your business's culture.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.jolouisebeauty.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jolouisebeauty
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jolouisebeauty/


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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