Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in training and education but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Levi Shephard, Founder and President of the National Association of Lash Artists, located in Edmonton, AB, Canada.

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

My business is The National Association of Lash Artists. My customers are eyelash extension professionals who are ready to take their careers to the next level.

Tell us about yourself

I launched NALA back in 2016 to help fill a void in our industry. I am passionate about helping others to achieve their highest possible level of success. My business gives me the opportunity to do that. I wake up every day excited to go to work.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

The accomplishment I am most proud of is the community I’ve created. NALA is the number one lash community in the world. Our members are collaborators, not competitors. We all lift each other up and support one another’s success. It’s a truly beautiful thing.

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

What I find most difficult about being a business owner is staying focused. As a creative person, I am constantly getting distracted by new ideas and feeling excited about my next project before the current one is complete.

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

  1. Mindset is key! No matter how hard you work or how educated you are, if you don’t have the right mindset, it will be a challenge to achieve or maintain great success. If you don’t truly believe in yourself or if you consistently have negative thoughts holding you back, you will always struggle.
  2. It’s going to be tough! If you are building a business based only on the assumption that your idea will be profitable, you are going to be miserable. Business is an indescribably difficult endeavour. You have to be passionate about your purpose so you will continue to get up every day, determined to serve your community. You need to have a love for what you do in order to stay motivated during hard times. And there WILL be hard times.
  3. Make sure you have fun and always take care of yourself. Running a business can take over all aspects of your life. Remember your priorities (family, friends, home, hobbies, etc.), and always put yourself at the top of that list. You can’t serve anyone if you’re sick. Your health MUST be the most important thing in your life. Not to mention a healthy body works better and has more stamina.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.nala-lashassociation.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LashAssociation
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lashassociation/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/levi-shephard-nala/

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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