Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Des Ducic, owner and director of Lash and Sass, located in Calgary, AB, Canada.

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

Lash & Sass is a team of professional Lash Artists providing eyelash extensions and lash services. Our focus is to provide women a service that can enhance their natural beauty, boost their confidence, and generally make their lives easier.

Our training Academy is designed for both those who are already in the beauty industry looking to grow their skills or those that are just looking to get their foot in the door. Our students are those who are looking for a bit of a career change; we strive to pull the motivation out of each student so they can have a solid path to success.

Tell us about yourself

I first took an interest in eyelash extensions around 2011 when they entered the beauty industry. I loved them immediately, and I had them done all the time. With a fluctuation in quality, I chose to create my own standard. After very basic training, I spent many of my days researching the materials I was using, how all the tools were constructed and what the ingredients were in every single product involved.

My business grew as I had intended because I was able to explain everything, and I clearly came across as I knew what I was doing, so people trusted me. I love sharing my knowledge with others in the industry.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

One of my biggest accomplishments as a business owner has been to be able to provide my employees a place and platform to showcase their very specific skills and perform the artistry that they enjoy. Sharing my knowledge and experience helps them to grow and flourish.

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

One of the hardest things is finding the support that you need. Often when someone says they want to start a business, it's not always taken seriously by those around them, and too often, in situations, it's specific for women. A motivator for me was to prove to people that I could do this and I could make a career for myself, be successful and help to support my family.

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

  1. FOCUS. Do not get mixed up in what other people are doing. Try to see others in the industry as colleagues rather than competition. Focus on your business and what you are doing right.
  2. BE CONFIDENT. Confidence is very important; if the people around you don't believe you, your service, or your product, it's going to be hard for you to believe in yourself.
  3. BE KIND. Don't take people for granted, be grateful for the position that you've put yourself into. Your customers or clients shape your business; treat them well. Share your knowledge with others in your industry. Help those that want to learn so that you can contribute to building a strong industry you are involved in, whatever that may be.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

As a mom of 3, my advice to other mothers looking to start a new journey as an entrepreneur is to go for it; it is possible to balance work and life and have it all.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.lashandsass.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LashAndSass
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lashandsassyyc/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/des-ducic-3a8a35230/

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.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.