Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lisa Dinh, founder of Lisa Dinh Hair Studio, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.

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

We are a hair studio located in the Annex! Lisa Dinh Hair Studio since January 2016. We specialize in colouring such as foliage techniques, dimensional face-framing balayage, and transformations. Our clients are from all over, and we have a wide range of clientele ranging from the '20s to early 40s and 50s.

Tell us about yourself

I've been in the industry for over 14 years now and have been a salon owner for six years. I was a freelance hairstylist for about five years before opening my own business. I wanted to work in a place where I could have opportunities and reach my full potential; I couldn't find it, so I created it. The environment we created in the salon is a safe space for our team of talented stylists to create beautiful hair and allows them to freely and uniquely be themselves. What motivates me every day is being able to provide a space like this for my team and, being able to build a life for myself & getting to travel to places.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner was being able to purchase the property my business is currently operating in. It's been years of hard work and sacrifice, so being able to own the space and really call it my own has been the biggest accomplishment for me. I feel like I've worked hard for it and earned the name on the storefront.

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

The hardest thing with being a business owner is managing exceptions. Managing team expectations, managing client expectations, and managing my own. Running a business isn't easy, but add an entire team on your own & you're figuring out & learning new things every day. I didn't open a salon with a business background or a management background. Everything was a learning experience, including doing inventory, payroll, taxes, and the list goes on.

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

  1. Find a mentor, someone in the industry you look up to and who is already successful.
  2. Know your numbers. Know your expenses and overhead costs, knowing how much you can afford to start a business and how much it will cost to support it. Have a good accountant.
  3. Network! Use social media platforms to grow your business, continue to meet people in the industry, and help grow your network & business by putting yourself out there!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Failing is a learning experience. If you truly want to start a business or a new venture, understand that failing is a part of the process. Keep going and try new things.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: http://lisadinhhairstudio.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisadinhhairstudio
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisadinhhairstudio/

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.