Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in skincare but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Isabelle Weiss, founder of Cold Water Skin Bar, located in Victoria, BC, Canada.

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

I provide facials and treatments that make a real difference in the skin and life-changing skincare and skincare advice. My skincare business is different from most because I combine medical-grade tools and technology and the more holistic component of facial massage and products that err on the more natural side of things. I want my clients to see and feel how beautiful their skin is!

Tell us about yourself

I first got started during the pandemic; I left a long-time career in aviation to pursue skincare because I couldn't find a place in Victoria where I could go get regular facials and treatments that didn't feel overly clinical and stuffy OR just be relaxation facials that didn't create much change in my skin. So I created what I wished existed - a casual place for people to come to get their skin taken care of, get no-bs skincare advice, and the chance to purchase skincare that's effective and clean. I love when my clients come in with skin concerns, and we can figure out simple solutions together that actually get their skin where they can feel good about it and for it not be a source of stress in their lives.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is every single time a client of mine tells me that they're happy with their skin because their skin concerns are clearing up or they're seeing the positive changes they were hoping to see. I've had clients tell me that after working with me, they finally feel confident enough to not wear makeup or to do out in public and not worry about their skin the whole time - those are my biggest wins.

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

Aside from answering these types of questions... the hardest thing about being a business owner is learning to separate my business from my life and my time with my family. Setting boundaries around my business because there is so much that needs to be done all the time, and it can sometimes feel overwhelming and like I just need to work work work, but then I have to remind myself that my business can't exist and thrive if I'm not thriving as an individual and that means taking time away to recharge and relax. That's the hardest thing - and just accepting the natural ebbs and flows of business without worrying about it all the time.

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

  1. Start even if you don't feel ready.
  2. Always look for learning opportunities.
  3. Have fun! Building a business can be so scary and stressful at times, and it's so easy to get thinking in terms of your goals - I'll be happy when I reach X goal. It sounds cliche, but it's true that the beauty is in the doing and the details of every day, and if you're not enjoying what you're doing - your clients will feel it, and it just won't be worth it!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.coldwaterskinbar.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coldwater.skinbar/


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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