Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Monica Rivera, co-owner of Privé Salons/Society Suites, located in Newtown Square, PA, USA.

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

I am in the business of providing passionate beauty professionals with career opportunities. I am the co-owner of two award-winning salons in the Philadelphia suburbs. With our newest venture, we now offer independent luxury suites to beauty & wellness professionals who are looking to take their careers on a more independent path. We pride ourselves on innovation, so we love to provide our team and our guests with the latest and greatest technology when it comes to techniques and products. We are also really passionate about giving back to the community and using our platform to help support local charities and fundraisers, such as Animal Shelters & Childhood Cancer.

Tell us about yourself

I have been in the beauty industry for 16 years, and it has always been something that inspired me every single day. As my role has evolved over the years, from stylist to now business owner, my why has always remained the same...I love encouraging people and making them feel good. I find motivation in seeing my team feel good about themselves and seeing our guests leave with a new level of confidence!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is the number of people we have been able to impact through our businesses positively. Our salon companies are home to some of the Philadelphia area's most creative and driven artists. We have about 75 employees between both salons and continue to grow. We are passionate about providing them with every opportunity to be successful and take pride in providing them a curated space to accommodate their guests, as well as the tools to reach new levels of success. Through Society Suites, we now are home to 24 independent service providers who were able to open their own business within our brand!

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

One of the biggest challenges I face as a business owner is finding balance and making sure growth remains a top priority. Both of these challenges are driven by time or lack thereof. As a business owner, mom, wife & all of the other roles we all have... it sometimes feels impossible to fit it all in. I have found schedules, organizations, and prioritizing time are imperative to finding balance and not losing sight of what is important.

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

  1. Do the research. It is incredibly important to have knowledge of the business you are going to undertake. Do as much research as you possibly can. Although you may be in the industry already, being a business owner in any particular business is a very different role.
  2. Find great mentors. Reach out to someone who has inspired you in your industry who may be able to help guide you through the challenges you may face and answer questions when you have them. You will certainly run into times where you need guidance, so having several mentors is imperative.
  3. Continue to grow at all times. It is so incredibly important to stay relevant in your business and to continue to grow personally as a business owner & professional. Read books, listen to podcasts and go to seminars. Any opportunity to grow & network has tremendous value.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Owning a business is very rewarding, but it also comes with many challenges. It requires a tremendous amount of time, energy, and effort to make sure that you are "all in" which is incredibly important. Also, if you have employees...hire the right people. Make sure you can trust them and do not try to do everything on your own. Letting go of control can be really hard, but it is important to spend your time on the things that only you can do!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://privesalonandstylebar.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monica.riveraa/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monica-rivera-73407268/

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.