Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in skin care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dr. Melissa Durfey, Founder of My Self Care Doc, located in Petaluma, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I'm Dr. Melissa, founder of My Self Care Doc, your friendly neighborhood anti-diet and body shame-smashing East Asian Medicine Doc, Skin Expert, and Self Care Advocate. I offer online coaching services, virtual esthetician services, and for those near Petaluma, CA, in-office facial and body treatments. My customers are usually folx over 35 and are looking to feel and look fabulous while avoiding fillers, filters, or needles.
Tell us about yourself
I have been in the beauty industry for over two decades but always felt like an outsider because I don't fit "societal norms" for beauty standards, nor do I want to. I started my business to help others that might be feeling the same way.
My continuing mission is to celebrate health & beauty beyond western standards by providing customized self-care techniques and products from around the world. My biggest goal is to help people find their glow in a body-liberating, judgment-free zone. Seeing someone transform their relationship with themselves and their skin is what keeps me going every day. It truly gives me great joy to see someone (finally) like what they see in the mirror.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
While I have won many awards and accolades over the years, my biggest accomplishment is helping thousands of people feel better in and about their skin.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Competing with the "big guys" when you are only one voice can be challenging, especially in the beauty and wellness space.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Have your self-care rituals dialed in and second nature. You can't fill from an empty cup, and the stress will destroy you and your business if you don't establish these patterns before your business takes off.
- Make sure your mindset is rock solid and work on it every single day. Not to say that you won't have days when belief in yourself and your business is difficult, but cultivating a positive mindset will help you weather the storm and stick with it!
- Be careful who you partner with. Realize that not everyone you work with has your best interests in mind. There are a lot of people out there that will try to take you down for their own gains. Many of these will pose as friends or potential collaborators, but they have more sinister methods in mind. Take the time to vett the people you work with; you will be glad you did.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.myselfcaredoc.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myselfcaredoc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myselfcaredoc/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdurfey/
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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