Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in beauty and cosmetics but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Samy Hampton, Owner of Hampton Lash Lounge & MedSpa, located in Tukwila, WA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Hampton Lash Lounge & MedSpa is the place to go to for many of your beauty and self-care needs! We specialize in Classic, Hybrid, Russian Volume, and Mega Volume eyelash extensions. In addition, we offer the YUMI Keratin Lash Lift, YUMI Brow Lamination, a wide range of customized facials, HydraFacial MD, Chemical Peels, Dermaplaning, and Full Body Waxing & Sugaring, Cosmetic and Medical Microneedling, PRP with Microneedling & Sunless Airbrush Tanning.
Our clients love us because we strive to make every person feel like the best version of themselves after their appointment! We want our clients to feel as beautiful as they can be and leave with a smile on their faces. Whichever service you choose to receive from us, we hold ourselves to the highest of standards with our training of staff, execution of services, and customer care.
Tell us about yourself
I was born and raised in Brazil, and coming from poverty, a fire was lit inside of me when I realized I could build a future for myself here in America. I know to appreciate all the opportunities I have come upon and act on them! When I moved to this country, I was only 13 years old and already knew I had a passion for the beauty industry at a very young age! I got my education and worked a crazy amount of hours to be able to save up to start my own business. I never liked working for anyone. It just didn’t fit me or make me happy. I wanted to be my own boss and be financially independent. Once I became an esthetician, I knew that was my calling. I built this company from the ground, but it took a lot of sacrifices. While my friends were going out every weekend and even week-nights, I stayed at work and studied. I started with just a tiny room with one lash table, and I got so busy so fast, and I thought, “okay, it’s the time! It’s time to expand and start hiring help!” Of course, the thought of it was wild and terrifying. Was I ready for it? Who knows! But I do know I continued educating myself and believing in myself, and I knew that nothing big ever happens without taking risks, and I learned to take it one day at a time, which was hard because I can be very impatient 😅.
Running a business has a lot of ups and downs, and I’ve encountered many challenges, and I’ve learned to grow from them. It’s definitely not easy, but what motivates me each day is knowing that I am making a difference in each person’s life that comes to see me. It’s such a rewarding career to help people feel good about themselves and help them achieve higher self-esteem. I get emotional about it sometimes, especially when a client sends me a text letting me know how beautiful they feel, and knowing that I was a part of them feeling happy means everything to me!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is making it through the first five years! And to have survived COVID. The first couple of years since COVID started have really been hard, and there were times that I thought we wouldn’t make it or times I wanted to give up, but then I would remind myself how hard I’ve worked to get here and remind myself of my goals for my future and then I would find the strength I needed to keep going! I also really pride myself on the difference I’ve made in many women’s lives that have come to me to learn from me and for support in this industry. I offer business mentoring to others that are just starting out. It’s something I wish I had when I started. I’m very passionate about helping others succeed. There is room for all of us out there ☺️
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest things that come with bring being a business owner is finding good employees. Now more than ever, it is hard finding people that want to work as hard as I do.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Do your research!
Go to many businesses that are in your industry and get service there to check out how they do things! This will help you pinpoint what you like and what you don’t like that they do and give you a head start with creating your own unique brand. It’s important to be able to stand out as a company to succeed these days. - Save your money!
It’s not fun going into a lot of debt in the beginning. There are ways to avoid that by saving up! That means fewer shopping sprees, less going out & stop getting your coffee from Starbucks. 🤣 Make it yourself at home! - Be organized!
There is literally no way you can run a business if you’re disorganized, especially if you have employees. Many people will rely on you, and you need to set a good example! You have to have a scheduling site/app. You have to be punctual and always get up and show up even on a hard day!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://hamptonlashlounge.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hamptonlashlounge
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hamptonlashlounge/
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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