Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in fashion and design but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lisa Drewes, Founder of Updosbylisa, located in Commack, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I own a bridal hair company. We are based out of Long Island, New York, and service brides are getting married in the tri-state area. We have a large team and can accommodate as large or as small of a bridal party as needed.
Tell us about yourself
Ever since I was little, like ten years old, I have been obsessed with doing hair. I learned how to do corn rows and used to cornrow my soccer team's hair for every game. I knew at that age that I wanted to be a hairstylist. My parents made me go to college to get a degree, and they figured I'd forget about the hair. The summer I graduated college, I told them I still wanted to go to beauty school. After some begging, crying, and pleading, they finally let me go, and the rest is history.
I have always loved making people feel good about themselves and making them see the best version of themselves. Nothing motivates me more than seeing my client's reactions when they look in the mirror and see what they look like on their wedding day. I get to be that person helping them get ready and feel beautiful on one of the most special days of their life.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Making my dream become a reality. As cheesy as it sounds, I really am living my dream career. I absolutely love what I do and am so proud of myself to see how much I've grown as an artist and a business owner. My biggest accomplishment throughout it all, though, has been growing my business into a Corporation and having a full team of employees who I absolutely trust and adore.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Balance & the admin work that goes on behind the scenes. Most people who meet me say I have the best job in the world because I get to work for myself and be around a fun environment. But it's not always what it seems. When we aren't physically working on a bride, we are doing a million other things that go into making that day so perfect. We are answering email inquiries, working on schedules, invoices, assistant schedules, scheduling & performing trials, and contacting photographers & wedding planners to make sure we are all on the same page. So much more goes into the business end that no one will ever understand unless they are a business owner. We don't get any paid-off days; we literally can't be sick or have a sick day and cancel a wedding. We find ourselves saying no to many personal events because we are already committed to a bride's wedding day. We really are working around the clock 24X7.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Never give up on your dreams & don't let anyone tell you you can't do something.
- Accept failure because that's definitely what I learned the most from. Things won't always go your way, and that's okay.
- Stay humble & don't take things personally.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.updosbylisa.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/updosbylisa/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/updosbylisa/
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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