Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in skincare but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Joie Tavernise, owner of JTavClinicalSkincare, located in New York, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My name is Joie Tavernise, and my business is JTAV Clinical Skincare, a luxury skincare facility located on Manhattan's Upper East Side. I am a member of the Society of Plastic Surgery Skincare Specialists, the National Coalition of Estheticians, and Society for Medical & Clinical Hair Removal. I have been a practicing esthetician for nineteen years.
Our customers, or clients as we call them, are very educated and informed when it comes to the best treatments, products, and techniques, so I constantly make sure that I am always up-to-date on the newest and best treatments to offer them. Our clients expect top-notch treatment from start to finish during their experience, and they come to JTAV Clinical Skincare because they know that we will deliver the best results that NYC has to offer.
Tell us about yourself
My passion for skincare began when I was a teenager. When I was younger, my skin was constantly breaking out, so I researched products and different home remedies and educated myself on ingredients and the best treatments for my skin. I found that the more time I dedicated to treating myself, the better my skin became, and my passion grew from there. When I moved back to NYC after a brief time in LA in my 20s, I started working as an esthetician for a natural skincare brand. I then began renting a room in a prominent plastic surgeon's office. I then decided that I wanted to launch my own business, and JTAV Clinical Skincare was born.
What motivates me and fuels my passion for doing what I do is positive feedback from our wonderful clients. I love seeing people glow with happiness when they feel confident and comfortable in their own skin. I love being the trusted resource that my clients come to for information, advice, and treatments.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I would have to say that my biggest accomplishment as a business owner is building my own business from the ground up. Years ago, my business was on the ground floor of a townhouse. It was a tiny space, but I still had no idea how I was going to fill the space with employees and clients.
I was both thrilled and very overwhelmed. Cut to 5 years later, we were bursting at the seams, and it became very apparent that we needed to find a larger space. It was a very exciting moment when I realized that even more growth was possible. This made me realize that I would really never stop growing. Once we found the ideal new space on the second floor of a gorgeous building, I worked on architecture, construction, and design, all things that I had no idea I would ever do as an esthetician. I feel extremely proud of this accomplishment because this is when I truly realized that I had the power to make something from scratch that was completely mine. This level of empowerment fueled my motivation to push harder to reach my goals.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing is definitely finding the balance in life. It is so important to find the time to be able to 'turn off.' When you run your own business, it is easy to be constantly connected…always checking email, social media, communicating with your staff. Over time, I have learned how crucial it is to let my mind and body rest, eat clean and healthy, and exercise to keep my strength and energy up. The better you take care of yourself, the better your business will do.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
My first tip is to believe in yourself. And I mean, really believe in yourself. Don't question your own ability. Get to know yourself well and stand by your convictions. Trust that anything is possible and know deep down in your gut that you can accomplish anything.
My second tip is to find mentors and like-minded entrepreneurs. Running a business can feel isolating at times, and support from your peers can make a huge difference in your motivation and networking. Make sure that you choose wisely on how you spend your time and who you surround yourself with. Research those in your field who have found success and study how they got to where they are now. You can always learn something, so stay hungry and never stop finding new ways to grow professionally and personally.
My third tip is to invest in your health, both physically and mentally. Take the time to move your body to relieve stress. Learn how to meditate and breathe. Nourish your body with fresh foods. Set healthy boundaries for yourself when it comes to the hours that you dedicate to your business so that you can show up 100% when it counts.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Never underestimate the power of a great team. When you grow to a certain size, it is impossible to do everything yourself, and imperative that you have support to take on some of the weight. The sign of an accomplished leader is being able to create, educate, and train a team that can carry on your work (at the level that you expect) when you are not physically at your business.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://jtavclinicalskincare.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jtavclinicalskincare/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joie-tavernise-588a3318/
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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