Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in beauty services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kelli Smith, Owner of Kelli Lyn Lash, located in Anthem, AZ, USA.

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

I do lash extensions and brow lamination and tinting. My clients are women ages 16-78 who want to ease their daily routine and add to their natural beauty.

Tell us about yourself

I am 29 years old and have been in the fitness industry for 11 years. In 2020 when many things were shut down, I wanted to diversify my skillset. I had been getting my own lashes done for six years then and thought, if I love them so much, maybe I'd love doing them too. What started as a very low-key side business for friends and family has grown into almost a full-time job in just two years. Making women feel naturally beautiful every day from one appointment brings me joy and is so fun. I love the flexibility; I never fit well into a 9-5 box. I love creating different lash or brow looks. The intricate work draws me in. I can't sit still for much, except lashing!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Nearly doubling my profit margin from year one to year two was SO exciting. Designing the new studio space in my house was also a fun project, and I love the results. It's my favorite room in the house.

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

The hardest thing for me is the busy and slow seasons. Working for yourself and working in the beauty industry ebbs and flows. You have to plan accordingly because month to month is not consistent.

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

  1. To start a business, you need to be excited about it! You're not going to stick with it if you don't find satisfaction in what you do. And that's exactly what you need to do to see a business grow - stick with it.
  2. Get the necessary training! There are classes or workshops for just about anything. It pays to invest in your training and education. You'll feel more confident and qualified in your work, therefore being about to increase value and pricing for your services.
  3. Just DO IT. You can sit and plan and plan and sit for years, but until you start, it isn't going to happen. I started taking clients outside of my regular work schedule and did that for almost two years. Gradually I was able to drop a day of teaching fitness classes here and there. I still supplement a few classes during slow months, but that's the beauty of creating your own schedule :)
  4. Referrals are by far the best way to grow your business. Create an incentive program that you would be excited about as a consumer. Reward cards for each referral = $ off! When you get that one motivated client who knows everyone, it pays off more than any paid advertising.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

You don't have to do just one thing! I still teach fitness classes, write personalized programs and work in the beauty industry doing lashes, brows, and facial services. If you're a go-getter but like different things, don't stick yourself in a box. You can turn any skillset, hobby, or passion into a career :)

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://kelli-lyn-lash.square.site/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellilynlash/

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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