Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in skin but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Joelle Rodenburgh, owner of AFYA Skin & Body, located in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Skin and Body Health is our expertise, but our passion comes from seeing our clients' confidence sore while achieving their goals.
Tell us about yourself
I've had an interest in the beauty industry since a young age. I started to notice my own confidence rise when I found self-care as a preteen. The importance of self-care can be overlooked, and I wanted to help others feel their best too.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I believe my biggest accomplishment as a business owner is being able to set goals and continually achieve them. The most recent example is our three Covid shutdowns; while we didn't like being shut down, we used the time to expand our business model. I know how rewarding being an entrepreneur is and how difficult it is, so I decided to share what I've built here at AFYA in a unique 50/50 partnership franchising opportunity.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I think the hardest thing is being responsible for everyone's livelihoods. You can wake up with your mind racing through ideas, worries, hopes, and dreams. Everything is on you, you drive the direction and success of your company, but to be honest, this is also the most rewarding thing.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
My three pieces of advice would be:
Don't be scared of the future because you need to be comfortable with your future self. It's not always about the steps you take but being ready to accept where the steps will take you.
Unlearn the confines of the traditional education you've been given growing up. You need to access a greater knowledge base that applies to your success, not the system's definition of your success.
Align yourself with people who teach you and inspire you to achieve success. It can be lonely at the top when you are growing. Surround yourself with the right circle. You need support, encouragement, perspective, and community direction. In entrepreneurship, the highs are high, but the lows are low. You need a circle you can go through both with. If you strive for your dreams, the highs will be life-changing.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
It's fun; it's worth it. Don't be afraid, and don't let anything hold you back. If you want it, you can have it. You only have one life to live!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.afyaskinandbody.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afyaskinandbody/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AfyaSkinandBody/
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.