Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Mindy Shear, make-up artist, lifestyle, & beauty consultant, based in Montreal, QC, Canada.

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

My business is all about sustainable beauty. Clean, nontoxic makeup, repurposing designer buttons, and zippers into stunning jewelry. I am at the cutting edge of the beauty industry and translating it to the busy modern day person who wants to look polished, feel confident and at ease with beauty.

Every second, clients are bombarded with a lot of information. When they don't understand what they are buying or don't use them, they feel overwhelmed and intimidated. I’ve been in the makeup and accessories business for over 35 years. My biggest pro tip is that everyone can be my potential customer. I am very big on educating my clients to make good choices in their purchases. I enjoy teaching my clients how to use products and services that work for them and their crazy lifestyles. I love throwing in a little glam that my clients will cherish. I truly believe in the experience of personalized service and building strong relationships with my clients where they can be comfortable and ask me anything!

Tell us about yourself

I was not your typical kid. I was an entrepreneur at birth. Social, very into makeup, fashion, and beauty. At 9, I begged my friend's mother to go door to door selling Avon for her, and I did. At 13, I worked in the Cosmetics department at my cousin’s pharmacy every day after school. I learned more and more each day. I wanted to do and take every possible fashion and design course possible. I sat in front of a mirror for hours, trying different looks. While in high school, at 15, I made my mother so crazy she put me into a makeup course. I started working in beauty and bridal at the age of 16. At 18, I opened my first makeup studio all while in university.

I finished my degree in fine arts with a double major in art history and studio art and a minor in psychology. I am currently taking courses to learn new trends, which are the best on the market and why, new skills to keep me fresh and knowledgeable, marketing and social media, and business courses. I am motivated daily to empower women through beauty and help build their self-confidence. I am inspired to make this world a more beautiful place, not in the means of vanity but in spirituality and the ritual of beauty, by using sustainable products to recycle and repurpose. Lastly to continue learning so I can continue teaching.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Failure is my biggest accomplishment as a business owner. It taught me how a reaction is a big part of what will happen next. It taught me I could do whatever I set my mind to, but I just need to make tweaks for longer-term success. I love trying new things. Usually big things. Those things I built, new stunning stores in high-end malls, designing my own mineral makeup line and jewelry collections. These were my greatest accomplishments. Another thing I consider as my accomplishment was knowing when and how to scale down to take care of my premie son, who today is turning 14, and I’m working from home so I can have it all. I’d also say being open to learning and not staying in a comfort zone is also one of my biggest accomplishments.

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

Learning to say no is one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner. In this industry, you want to make everyone happy, and it’s not possible. Pre family, I’d never say no to a client. Another difficult thing is charging your worth.

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

  1. Consider a network marketing company. It’s the lowest risk with what could be the biggest payoff, without the headaches.
  2. Do something you’re so passionate about.
  3. Make sure you have the biggest 'why' that will make you cry and be consistent even if you suck. We all suck at the beginning.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Surround yourself with the smartest people ever. You should not let anyone take your dreams away from you, as they may want the best for you but may not know what you need. You'll feel butterflies in your gut and feel like you’ll never be ready it’s scary but do it anyway.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://mindyshear.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MindyShearbusiness
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindyshear/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mindyshear
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindyshear/

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.