Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in beauty and cosmetics but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Uliana Shchepeleva, founder of The Beauty House Group of Companies, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I have several businesses that are all tied to each other. I own a beauty salon in downtown Toronto (thebeautyhouse.ca), specializing in lash lifts, eyelash extensions, permanent makeup, and cosmetic injections. I am a co-owner of a beauty supply company (thebeautyhouseshop.ca) that sells beauty supplies online, specializing in lash and brow supplies for professionals.
I founded an online training center focusing on lash lift education (training.lashmotheruli.com). This site offers the most comprehensive lash lift education in the world. It is constantly updated with the latest products, innovations, and industry trends.
I am proud to be the exclusive Canadian wholesale distributor for My lamination (mylamination.ca). My lamination is an Italian brand that offers the most comprehensive and innovative lash lift products in the world. I am also offering in-person training specifically on how to perform lash lifts with my lamination products.
Tell us about yourself
I am a lash lift/ lash extensions expert and educator with over 14 years of experience. What makes me unique is that half of my education and experience comes from Europe, where the methodologies and high-quality standards are much different than in North America.
My first business was a beauty salon. I opened it over seven years ago. I wanted Toronto to experience a different level of beauty services, specifically eyelash extensions and lash lifts. The rest of the businesses grew from there.
I am motivated daily by my amazing clients and students, who provide such wonderful feedback! It fills my heart with such joy seeing the difference that I have made in people's lives!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is building an amazing team of experts who work alongside me to make my businesses successful and allow me to get to the next level with all of my endeavors.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is delegation. You cannot do everything yourself and cannot be everywhere at once. Learning how to delegate and trust your team is difficult but also critical for growth. By hiring and training the proper staff, you are freeing yourself up to focus on bigger picture items and thus bringing more value to your business.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
1.) Find a niche market and figure out how your product or service is going to be different from the competition. What value are you going to be providing to your customer?
2.) Build a business plan. Even if you don't plan on showing it to anyone, in order to be successful, you need to have a plan. Determine how much time you will need to devote to the project, your initial investment, how much revenue it will bring and when, etc. Your plan does not have to be set in stone and will continuously evolve, as will you!
3.) Be open to change! Don't get discouraged because something does not go your way or according to plan. Focus on the goal ahead and simply adjust around the setback, regardless of how big it is. The only thing constant in life is that there is always change, always remember it and be open to change!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://lashmotheruli.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lashmother.uli/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lashmother.uli/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.
