Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Colleen Schneider, Owner of Spa Escape, located in Calgary, AB, Canada.

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

Spa Escape is an affordable unisex spa that aims to help everyone look and feel great. All ages stop in for a quick eyebrow shaping, a pedicure with a friend, rejuvenating body wrap for their birthday, or an anti-aging facial just because they want to take great care of their skin. We offer other spa services such as laser skin rejuvenation, body waxing, microneedling, massage, lash extensions, and microblading, just to name a few. We have grown to become a one-stop spa to care for all your self-care needs at an affordable price. Spa Escape is not about getting people to look pretty, but it's about helping people take care of themselves and their skin which is the largest and often overlooked organ.

Tell us about yourself

I have dreamed of owning and running a business since I was very young. I had always wanted a business that cared for others and helped them feel better. Over the years, I have worked with many different types of businesses and did not like the way some businesses treated their employees, so my desire to help customers also grew into a desire to help employees. My desire to own a business that would be a great place for employees to work and for customers to be cared for resulted in me seeking out a business to own, and that is how I became the owner of Spa Escape. Knowing that I contribute to helping people look and feel better about their bodies is a strong motivator. The countless smiles and 'thanks' I see and hear each day make all of the work worthwhile.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment has been successfully owning and operating a business during COVID-19. Rent, utilities, internet, and insurance still have to be paid when the business is mandated to be closed. It was a tough juggling act. Working through the restrictions and lockdowns while also improving and growing the business is a fantastic accomplishment made possible with the dedication and hard work of employees, clients' loyalty, and business associates' help.

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

One of the hardest things about being a business owner is finding the time and resources to do all that needs to be done. Work is never done, and it takes discipline to stop work and rest. Being able to remain balanced in life and grow the business is always a challenge as there never seems to be enough time, energy, and resources in each day.

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

  1. Make sure you have a great support system. Have people around you to cheer you on and encourage you when you become discouraged and scared. Get rid of the personal and business relationships that bring you down and prevent you from doing and being your best.
  2. Know your finances. Be involved in understanding your business finances so you can make wise decisions to help you stay afloat. Without finances, there is no business, so be sure to know and understand your finances.
  3. Treat people well. Treat your employees, your customers, and your vendors well. Be honest and upright in all you do. Getting ahead by cheating the people around you will not give you the success you want in business.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Business ownership is not for everyone, but you will never know unless you try. If it is a dream of yours to own a business, go for it. Nobody knows everything there is to know about business, so don't wait until you know everything. Don't let negative self-talk dictate your actions; instead, see each day as a great opportunity to learn and help others.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://spa-escape.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spa.escape.yyc/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spa.escape/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/spaescapeyyc

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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