Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in skincare but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Danielle Drolet, owner of The Meta Esthétiques Studio LTD., located in Ottawa, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We specialize in age management - we guide and educate our clients on how to age gracefully and feel and look their best for ultimate "health aging"! We strongly believe that there's a way to age in a healthy way, and starting with the health of our skin is one of the best ways to boost our self-confidence.
Tell us about yourself
I started the business when I was 22 years old (now I'm 64 - oh my!) I always had a passion for esthetics, even at the very young age of 16. I truly do enjoy what I do, even today 40 some years later. I love the connection I have with my longtime clients (most of them have been my clients for over 30 years+ !), and it's truly rewarding to see the results and improvements that we have made with their skin over the years. My clients age gracefully and well because they see me on a regular basis, and it really shows! When a client tells me that they finally can walk out of their homes without makeup because they love the way their skin looks, THIS is what I live for, and this is what motivates me every day - results and happy clients.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I think just having a business running successfully for 43 years is an accomplishment itself - but more seriously, the fact that my name "Meta" is recognized in our town as a solid, professional, and high-end establishment with a 5-star reputation says a lot. I've worked all those years to maintain that, and it's a true honor that women mention "Meta" and they know right away that they will be in good hands.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The ups and downs of business that you can't predict, such as: a pandemic (lol!), staff management, and keeping up with trends in esthetic, are sometimes overwhelming. You have to evolve with the times, and sometimes that can be hard to stay creative and keep ideas running in your head. Thankfully I have my daughter take care of that as she runs the business now for me, but these are things that can be hard to deal with.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Work hard (but efficiently), be patient and get a business coach (in your industry, of course). Patience is one big thing that most people don't have today - it takes YEARS to have a solid, reputable business, so be patient and keep your head high. Business is hard, it's not an easy avenue to take, but the rewards make it worth it.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
"Community over competition." If you have that mindset, you will do great things.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://themetaesthetique.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/metaesthetique/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/metaesthetique/
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.