Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Faith Lamoureux, co-owner of Fauna Sugaring, located in Halifax, NS, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Fauna Sugaring is an all-natural hair removal and skin care studio that offers gender-neutral services for all skin types!
Tell us about yourself
Growing up, my mum was a sugar practitioner, so I didn't really have to shave ever. That also meant I didn't know the woes of using a razor: razor burn, bumps, irritated skin, cuts, etc. So when I finally did use a razor for the first time, I immediately understood all my friend's complaints! My skin was so angry. You could still see most of the hair; I felt itchy and sore all at the same time.
I got my sugaring license so I would never have to shave again. Then I started to realize that sugaring wasn't really accessible to most people. Most were opting for a razor because it's what they knew, and they didn't know there were many other options. I started Fauna so that people could get the hair removal results they wanted AND feel comfortable in their own skin.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
The community that Fauna has cultivated will always be the biggest accomplishment in my eyes. To have a space where people can come in feeling comfortable to ask questions about their body/hair, not feel pressured to look or feel a certain way, and to be celebrated for the body that they have is what I would have wanted growing up and in my adult years so far. So I'm stoked to be a part of that.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Boundaries! Creating boundaries with your time, where your work ends, and your personal life begins is a big struggle. It's hard at the beginning to figure out how to manage your time because there is so much to do! But it isn't impossible. You are fully capable of deciding to stop and take a moment for yourself. There WILL always be something to work on, so you need to schedule a time to put yourself first. Whenever I would get stressed out or feel overwhelmed with all the things I 'had to do in life, my grandma always said, "if you want things to change, then go look in the mirror and talk to the boss" - my grandma is a gem.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- You don't need millions of dollars saved to start a business. There are many programs from banks, the government, and locally focused financial organizations to help you out wherever you are at. Speaking from experience - I had next to no money going into this.
- Ask for advice from other local businesses around you! It's a community, not a competition.
- People want to see you succeed, so when you need help, speak up.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Social media is a big player in marketing your business and growing your community, but don't let it consume you! Word of mouth is still a huge component.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.faunasugaring.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/faunasugaring
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faunasugaring/
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.
