Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Danika Durden, owner of Bleu Avenue, located in Highland, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is to allow beauty enhancers to be used daily. My customers are those who appreciate hair, nails, makeup, eyelashes, and all things girlie. I provide raw Indian and mink eyelash strips for the people who like to dress up and get cute each and every day, even if it's for you and no one else. Get dressed, do your makeup, put some hair on, and I guarantee you'll have a good day.
Tell us about yourself
In January 2019, I decided to cut all of my hair off. Off to a men's super-low fade. About two months later, I was ready to wear a ponytail again. On the hunt for some high-quality hair for a wig, I noticed all the hair I was purchasing was extremely high in price but not of good quality. I couldn't understand why I was paying 300 plus dollars for some hair I could only wear for a month. So after a bunch of trial and error, I decided the best bang for my buck was to purchase a vendor list to see who had the best hair for the amount of money I was willing to spend. In doing so, I decided to share what I found. I love hair and lashes, so I wanted to share. I've always been into dressing up and doing my makeup. It makes me feel, so I wanted to provide the same feeling to others. If I know this great quality raw hair is available and I can be the link, then why not?!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is being available for my son. The best part of being an entrepreneur is creating my own work hours. My sales aren't always the best, but when they are good, I feel accomplished in the best way. When I get one sale, I'm excited. It gives me the drive to continue my business, like, "okay, somebody purchased something." Today was a good day.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing that comes with being a business owner for me would have to be financed. Seeing the amount of money made vs. the amount of money spent sometimes put me in a funk. I don't let it ruin my aspirations to continue to become a successful business owner later, but it does knock my enthusiasm down just a bit. Another hard thing is when someone is looking to purchase, and I don't have on hand what they are looking for. I feel like I'm conducting bad business because I should have everything.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
The top 3 tips I would give to anyone looking to start a business is for sure to have a business plan. Even if that means just writing down your expectations for the next six months. Plan your business out, plan your finances out and stick to a plan down to every penny you have in a savings account. Get great marketing strategies and execute them. Lastly, research other businesses in your field. See what's working for others and find your best quality and make it happen.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Thank you for the opportunity to share my business. I hope this brings me many new loyal customers, thank you.
Where can people find you and your business?
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bleu.avenue/
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.
