Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in beauty and cosmetics but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sarah Sao-Mai Pham, owner of SMP Beauty Studio, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.

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

SMP Beauty Studio is a full-service salon. We provide eyelash extensions, manicures, pedicures, cosmetic permanent makeup, waxing, hair styling, teeth whitening, cosmetic injectables, and more! SMP Beauty caters to everyone and strives to leave you looking and feeling good. We are your confidence booster!

Tell us about yourself

I've always known I wanted to work in the beauty industry as a little girl. Growing up and watching my mom, an esthetician, run her own salon inspired me in many ways. In 2015, when eyelash extensions started to trend, I decided to take a leap and start my own home-based studio. I named it "SMP Beauty," using the initials of my Vietnamese name, Sao-Mai Pham. I felt immense happiness being my own boss, working my own hours, and making my own money.

Fast forward to 2020; 5 years later, I decided to open my very own storefront! Not only am I a lash artist, but I am also a business owner, esthetician, and permanent makeup artist. I love that I am able to make my clients feel more confident in how they look. My clients are the ones who motivate me to continue doing what I do. Without them, I wouldn't be here today.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is going from doing eyelash extensions in a tiny room at home to now having a full-service salon. Believe it or not, I still have clients who are still with me today from 7 years ago! I am so proud of the growth I've had in the past few years. But I'm not done yet; I'm always thinking about the next big thing, where I can elevate myself as a business owner. I am constantly learning and adapting to the next trend!

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

There are days when I want to give up and cry because there is so much on the plate. As a new business owner and employee, I have to be there 24/7 and know my business inside and out. It can be really stressful, but I have to remind myself that I love what I do and that hard work pays off. The goal one day is to have an empire that runs itself!

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

  1. Make sure you set your goals. Be organized, and don't procrastinate.
  2. You don't have to do this alone. Don't be afraid to ask for help.
  3. Do what makes you happy! If you're having fun, it isn't a job.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Be committed. If it is something you are passionate about, don't give up. You will get to where you are supposed to be.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.smpbeautystudio.com/
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3NhJLdW
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smpbeautystudio/

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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