Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in beauty and cosmetics but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Brooke Hughes, Owner of Desert Dream Esthetics, located in Phoenix, AZ, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Desert Dream Esthetics offers a variety of results-driven treatments and retail products to fit any and all skin concerns ranging from acne to pigmentation to anti-aging.
Tell us about yourself
My skincare journey began during my senior year of high school and peaked during my freshman year of college. I got a softball scholarship to play Division 1 softball as a pitcher at Siena College in Albany, NY. I was dealing with severe cystic acne and had tried everything under the sun as far as skincare products go. It wasn't until my mom introduced me to the esthetician at her doctor's office that I started seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I never knew there was such a thing as an esthetician! When I would come home from college on breaks, I would visit Karen, my esthetician. She inspired me to pursue esthetician and laser school. Fast forward to what would've been my senior year of college (the start of COVID-19), I decided to come home and go to IMAj Institute in Scottsdale, Arizona, to become an esthetician and laser technician. After going through my skincare struggles, it motivated me to go to school and help others feel and look their best, inside and out. Although college didn't work for me, I'm so thankful that I found mine why. I found my passion. I found what makes me the happiest. I found my career. And nothing makes me more proud to help others with their own skincare journey!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Opening up Desert Dream Esthetics and finally just going for it! Being my own boss was always the goal from day one. In all honesty, there's never going to be the right time…and no one is going to tell you you're ready. Only yourself is. And so I just went for it, and I'm so happy I did!
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Dealing with the unknowns and work-life balance. Being a first-time business owner can be super intimidating! This first year as a new business owner, I learned so much...and I will continue learning each year as my business grows. For work-life balance, I'm someone who's constantly thinking of new ideas, content to post about, different promotions to run, etc., and sometimes it's hard for me to turn my creative side off and not think about work 24/7!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Put yourself out there. Don't expect things to just come to you naturally. Get active on social media, attend local markets, connect with other professionals, and build relationships with the businesses around you.
- Find your niche and run with it. It's all about what makes you different and makes you stand out from everyone else.
- Keep learning. Stay up to date on the latest trends, and continue educating yourself on ways to improve your craft and business.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://linktr.ee/desertdreamesthetics
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086199408631
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desertdreamesthetics/
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.
