Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in beauty and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Irina Jacobson, co-founder, and CEO of EMI Canada, located in Vaughan, ON, Canada.

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

I opened EMI School and Distribution Centre in 2019 - a beauty supply and nail school for beginners and professionals alike to build their careers and be supported while doing so. Thus far, I have taught over 1,000 students, creating and improving careers all across Canada. However, what I really do is give women and men the tools and techniques they need in order to be independent.

Tell us about yourself

Having been diagnosed with sarcoma at the age of 7 and losing my leg at 8, I have been navigating life with my disability ever since. What might hold a lot of people back; I use it as a tool of inspiration. When I found my passion in education and nail art, it became my mission to spread the knowledge of how to have a fulfilling artistic career and make a good income. Being a disabled woman and an immigrant to Canada, I have faced a lot of challenges, but I believe through a little skill development, I can free people from bad relationships, unfulfilling careers, and from their own expectations of themselves.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Opening my own school where I can do what I love, spread my knowledge, help people, and do it all at my own pace and full-time.

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

Personally, I would say dealing with a lot of people and personalities, ensuring you have the right team to ensure you're growing and getting where you need to be. Understanding what works best for you!

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

Choose a field that inspires you that fills your heart, do it for passion, not money, and find a partner that likes doing what you don't. Also! Don't be afraid to fail. It comes with the territory. Be scared and do it anyway! Also, Set up analytics early and understand what works and what doesn't,

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

If I can do it! You can do it!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://emi-school.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmiNailSchoolCanada
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emischool_canada/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/e-mi-nail-school-and-distribution-canada/


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.