Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care & cosmetics, but not sure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with D'Andra Montaque, founder, and CEO at Empress Mane, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Tell us all about your business...

Empress Mane is an online beauty supply providing top-tier haircare customer service to the GTA with $8 same-day delivery and affordable worldwide shipping. We strive to support women of color around the world with the RAWBOX Subscription, our seasonal box of clays, oils, butter, and natural hair remedies produced by women of color internationally to aid our customers on their #naturalmanejourney

What's your background and motivation to grow as a solopreneur?

I started Empress Mane when I saw the gap in customer service experiences that cater to the hair textures of women of color and the lack of subscription boxes for this group of individuals. I was determined to create a safe space for education, confidence, and, inevitably, change within my industry.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Knowing that my business has encouraged people to save time in their lives to prioritize self-care, holistic healing, and have a community to feel seen by is the best feeling to wake up to. Supporting women of color worldwide by showcasing their raw goods in our RAWBOX subscription is the most significant accomplishment. Collaboration and community building are how we inspire the next generation and let them know they can do it too!

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

The hardest thing I've dealt with is knowing many won't understand how complex a business owner is. You wear many hats, your personal life suffers sometimes, and people don't always understand all you do. It can get lonely sometimes, but it all pays off when you reach the goals you set.

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

  1. Create a business plan! Chances are things will change very quickly, and you may not follow it, but having a template to follow and adjust will help you remain organized.
  2. Do not be a workaholic! The entrepreneurial journey has been glamourized, and we are the most overworked society to live in. Take things one step at a time, prioritize rest, and manage your time efficiently to avoid burnout. Make time for the things that bring you joy very often.
  3. Automate your business; it brings you freedom. There are so many great tools out that will have your business run effectively without you. Utilizing these tools will help you grow.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Support other local businesses! As a business owner, we must ensure others like us receive what you need. This is also a great way to network. Allow someone else to feel as good as you do when you make a sale or secure a client. They'll smile, and so will you.

Where can people find you?

Website: https://www.empressmane.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/empressmane
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empressmane/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/empressmane

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.