Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lizbeth Ruvalcaba, Owner of BeLoved Hair & Makeup, located in San Diego, CA, USA.

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

My business is BeLoved Hair & Makeup. I am a Hair & Makeup Artist specializing in Bridal Glam on location. And in my salon, I am a Blonding Specialist and a Bellami Hair Master Artist. My clients usually start off as Bride, and they become hair color clients for life. I travel all over for Weddings. Out of state or out of the country!

Tell us about yourself

I have been a hair and makeup artist for over 13 years now. I started really young, right out of high school. I fell in love with my craft the moment I first walked into a beauty school. I knew right then and there I was, exactly where I belonged. I can’t imagine doing anything else. The support and love I have for my clients, and the relationships I have built along the way, make me strive for bigger and bigger things in my career.

I love teaching makeup and being a role model for others who are looking to get into the industry. It’s tough building your own business, but when you love what you do. You find beauty in pain.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is winning “The Knot” Bridal Magazine’s “Best Of” Hair and Makeup award seven years in a row. Along with their “Hall of Fame” award.

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

It can be tough being a business owner. I think the hardest thing for me is organizing myself when it comes to the office side, like marketing and the paper trail for the end of the year P&L reports. I am definitely an artist, and I work with my hands. So after a long day at the salon or a really early wedding of about ten people. It can be really tough to go home and have to do the office work.

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

If you are someone looking to start a business. I would say go for it! It’s definitely not easy. But it is definitely worth it!

Don’t let people discourage you; I know it can be easy to listen to the negativity. But follow your heart and work really hard! It will pay off, I promise!

And lastly, set boundaries from the very beginning. Some people might think just because of your friends, you owe them a discount or a free service. It’s the total complete opposite. They should support you.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I am so incredibly blessed to have such a rewarding career. I get to change people‘s lives every day and make them feel better about themselves. I get to be a part of one of the most important days in a Bride’s life. I wouldn’t change it for the world. I wouldn’t call it luck either.

I just call it hard work and dedication. And most importantly, passion!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://bit.ly/3zPR6fC
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/belovedhairandmakeup/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizbeth_belovedhairandmakeup/

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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