Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in beauty and cosmetics but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Genn Shaughnessy, owner of The Backstage Stylist, located in Albany, NY, USA.

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

I am a freelance makeup artist and brow permanent makeup artist. I travel to locations providing makeup and styling services for HD video and Photo Still shoots. When I'm not traveling, I treat clients in my Albany Salon & Spa and run a boutique out of it with an online store.

Tell us about yourself

I love my job! I love pampering people and making them feel relaxed, special, and better than when they came in. It's therapy for some people, and I am happy to help. It's also really exciting when an order comes through online, and then I get to pack it up and send it on its way with love. :) Money is pretty motivating when you have a kid to feed and overhead to pay.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Traveling Internationally and being published internationally overcoming adversity as a disabled female.

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

It's really hard to pick just one because it's always a spiral of issues from one issue. For example, living through a pandemic with a kid who needed to be homeschooled and married to an essential worker. It's not just one thing; it's a lot of things.

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

Please do your research! Don't take on every task just to save money, And don't get into business with friends or family. Do what you love, and the rest will follow, but don't quit your job without money in the bank and a good plan!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.thebackstagestylist.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebackstagestylist
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gennshaughnessy/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/gennshaughnessy

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.