Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in beauty and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Mandy Best, owner of Cactus Club Salon & Spa, located in Okotoks, Alberta, Canada. Mandy has three children.

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

We are a full-service Salon & Spa, offering traditional and cutting-edge services. Our service providers attend continuous advanced education to ensure they offer the highest quality services. We are currently celebrating our 30th year in business! We strategically partner with brands who share our values for the environment, our health, and high performance.

Tell us about yourself

I began my career as a Hairstylist in 1998 in Calgary. After my three children were born, we decided to relocate to the family-friendly Town of Okotoks. I began my career as a Stylist at Cactus Club in 2008 and purchased the business in 2010. The past 11 years have been the best of my life! Managing a staff of 45 has been such an enriching experience. I have watched my employees grow, get married, have kids, and so much more. We have so much longevity in our staff, some of who have been here for 25 years. We are truly a family, and I am honored to lead them each and every day.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Perseverance! We have lived through a number of catastrophes over the years, including a vehicle collision which closed our business for eight weeks in 2015 and the current pandemic we find ourselves in today. I have had to fight so hard to protect my staff and ensure they have a place to come to work to in the future. No matter what life throws at us, I will continue to find the courage and strength required to keep Cactus Club alive and thriving.

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

Seeing my staff struggle through adversity and the unknown. There have been many times throughout the past 11 years when I wasn't sure how I could protect them. And often, as their employer, there's nothing I can do. So I focus on what I can provide for them and continue to build a culture and a team that they all love being part of.

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

Listen to your staff with curiosity and humility. Often the answers you're looking for can be found within your team. Being a leader and visionary requires high-level thinking and time to dream and create a path towards growth. Don't get stuck in the weeds; hire help so you can do the important work outside of the daily operations. Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Some of our biggest successes are only possible once we've failed a few times. Dust yourself off and keep trying!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

What we do is not easy, but the payoff is incredible. Remember to celebrate your success every day, even when things are difficult.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://cactusclubsalonspa.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cactusclubsalonspa/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cactusclubsalonspa/
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/4Bn3DwwDzUyBvnEi8


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.