Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in beauty and cosmetics but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Via Alejandre, Founder of The Lolita Collective Hair & Makeup, located in Vancouver, BC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I run a business and manage a team of artists specializing in mobile and in-studio Bridal Hair & Makeup in Vancouver, BC. We focus on modern, effortless, and romantic styles with radiant, glowing skin to enhance your natural beauty and strive to provide an outstanding bridal experience to anyone who sits in our chair. We aim to ease any stress of finding the perfect bridal beauty team for their wedding day.
Tell us about yourself
I grew up surrounded by the entertainment industry as my Dad works as a Film and TV Director. Growing up, I often visited him on set and found myself amused by the makeup team creating their magic. It wasn't until I got to college that I started to test my creativity and ultimately decided what I wanted to do with my career. Seven years later - after graduating from makeup school - I became a freelance makeup artist and eventually built a team of 10 incredibly talented artists that I've met along the way.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
It's hard to think what my biggest accomplishment is as a business owner, as I feel that there are more things I can do better and improve on, but every time I look back at where I came from, I think I'm more proud of the hard work and sacrifice I've put into my business over the past few years. My clients' trust in me on one of the biggest days of their lives and the genuine connections I've made that have led to referrals make up for all the sacrifices and long days I've put into building my business.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
There are many aspects, whether big or small, in running a small business, especially to make it run smoothly in the wedding industry. Being able to juggle different roles such as keeping up with social media, answering emails, scheduling clients and team members, advertising, and payroll are one of the most difficult tasks one can handle on top of doing your actual work - aka hair and makeup. But if you love being organized and thrive in excel sheets, it helps ease any stress in planning and ensure you're on top of all the important tasks.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Have enough savings or a full-time career to get you through the first few years of starting a small business.
- Mistakes will happen. Learning from those mistakes helps you into becoming a stronger and more successful business.
- Don't be afraid to meet new people. Knowing people in the same industry as yours can be a great benefit to growing your business, as this often leads to referrals and more connections.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://thelolitacollective.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelolitacollective
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelolitacollective/
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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