Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in beauty and cosmetics but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Megan Dugan, CEO of Lemonhead.LA LLC., located in North Hollywood, CA, USA.

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

We are Lemonhead LA— We created the world's first luxury cosmetic glitter balms and concentrates! Our customers come from everywhere! LHLA was created by and for pro artists, but our customers range from celebrity makeup artists to the mom of 3 next door. Our product redefined glitter and eliminated the intimidation associated with it. You can open a jar, touch the product, tap it on your eyes and cheeks, and in a few seconds, your alter-ego emerges to take on the night (or day)! The fact it removes in seconds with just water has made the product a daily staple for people.

Tell us about yourself

I actually never planned on creating a business. I was content being a professional makeup artist forever, but fate called, and I answered and never looked back. I originally created a product for myself to use, but the pro makeup industry needed it much more than I did... My career didn't end up being what I planned. Still, I wouldn't change a thing- I created something that some of the biggest stars have immortalized in the world (Beyoncé, Euphoria, etc.). I inspired young artists to feel more comfortable in their creativity, and that motivates the hell out of me on a daily basis!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

The biggest accomplishments don't compare to the thousands of small ones that have built this brand to what it is today. I really wasn't prepared at all for the growth, viral moments, scaling, etc., but I taught myself along the way. Nearly everything that people see, from photography, website, graphic design, copy, social, etc., was all done completely by myself. Those things outweigh the big moments because I will always look bad with intense pride for being able to handle it all.

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

There are so many hard things! I sacrificed so much of my life creating this brand. It's my baby. I'm a creative but also a stubborn problem-solver, so for me personally, one of the biggest challenges is delegating tasks and trusting others to do them the way I envision. The pressure for female business owners to appear as if we have our sh*t together is always tricky as well ;)

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

  1. Find what brings you joy, and don't sacrifice it. If it can make you money, that's even better!
  2. Don't worry about college. Seriously. It's a waste of money, and you can teach yourself anything online.
  3. For the love of god, erase your cringey past from social media. If people smell success, they will try to find anything to take it from you, especially if you're a woman.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Fck up. Learn from it. Fck up again with something else. Rinse and repeat. Success in life, at least for me, happened only after learning from many, many mistakes.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://getlemonhead.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getlemonhead
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lemonhead.LA/

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.