Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in beauty and cosmetics but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Romelie Delacruz, Founder of Lash + Micro, located in Seattle, WA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Lash + Micro is a salon founded in Seattle, WA. We are a team of estheticians and PMU artists providing lash extensions, lash lifts, brow shaping, and cosmetic tattooing (including microblading, eyeliner, and lip blush). Our clients are mainly women who come from various backgrounds; many of them are between 20-40 years of age and tend to work in beauty, tech, law, or healthcare.
Tell us about yourself
I first started as a Registered Nurse prior to opening Lash + Micro. As a nurse, I was very burnt out and worked nearly every day with barely any weekends off. I wanted to make sure I took better care of myself and became interested in the different services that salons and spas offered. I then became addicted to lash extensions. What I loved about it was that it took less time to get ready in the morning, and it allowed me to look more lively for work and all sorts of occasions. At this time, I connected with my lash artist, who was also burnt out from nursing school. She suggested that I open up a lash studio and two years later, she taught me how to do lashes, and I eventually created Lash + Micro!
What motivates me to keep going is that I love to create something purposeful and to keep innovating from there on. At the end of the day, I enjoy collaborating with others and creating new experiences with my team, clients, and community.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is that I am able to build interpersonal relationships with my team and clients. I am happy to have such supportive clients and work with a team that cares so much about their work and each other.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things about being a business owner is hiring and training. I believe that you should first do a lot of reflection on who you want to hire, as this is a reflection of your business. It can take a toll when things go sideways, and taking care of yourself is important. However, it is worth finding a solid team where each person understands their role, cares for their work, works effectively with others, and wants to grow with you and the business.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be prepared to keep learning. Be prepared to catch yourself if you fall. Always have a backup plan for your backup plans. Things are not always linear and if you take detours, embrace it! I believe there is opportunity in everything.
- Have multiple mentors. Learn from as many people as you can and grow outside of your field. There are skills in other industries that can be applied and are extremely helpful within your own work.
- Align with the right people in all areas of your life. Also, do not let other people’s negative comments stop you from trying!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.lashandmicro.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lashandmicro
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lashandmicro/
Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/lashandmicro
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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