Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in beauty and cosmetics but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jenny Valla, owner of Mink Makeup & Hair, located in Vancouver, BC, Canada.

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

Mink Makeup & Hair is one of the top Makeup and Hair agencies in Vancouver! No matter the look you want, we have the perfect stylist for you. We're going to make everything easy - and beautiful - for you. Our professionally trained artists give our clients an exquisite look they've always dreamed of. In fact, we've been making wedding-look dreams come true for hundreds of brides for almost 15 years. Plus, we're fully mobile, so you don't need to stress about travel.

Tell us about yourself

My friends tell me I'm a "real hoot" and always full of creative ideas. When I'm not working, you can find me making jewelry or hiking the trails with my boys and our dog Rocco! I knew I wanted to work in the beauty industry since I was five, yet the first time I had the opportunity to attend John Casablanca's... I handed fear the pen to write the story of my life and walked away from my deposit.

When I was five years old, I idolized my cousin, who was then a makeup artist in the film industry. She used to practice on me at every chance she could get, and I was instantly mesmerized by her skill and, of course, her accomplishments. I am forever grateful that when the whisper to fulfill my life's calling turned into a loud knock on my door, I answered. Leaning into the sticky walls of my comfort zone and putting my hand up for change wasn't easy, but in the end, I knew deep in my heart that I would always look back with regret if I didn't at least try.

Creating memorable experiences drives me to continue to learn, connect and grow, both as a business owner and an artist. The relationships and connections with my clients are based on listening and collaboration with the intention to be fully present in your epic life moments, feeling your best.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Surviving the COVID lockdowns and coming back strong and motivated! I'm not gonna lie here, but the last two years were very stressful, and I didn't think there was going to be much of an industry left after the continuous restrictions that resulted in many cancellations.

I had to be optimistic (and reduce expenses) first! I am incredibly grateful to have such an amazing team that has helped us survive during this unprecedented time. We have gotten back in full swing and cannot wait to see what 2023 has in store for Mink!

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

Finding that balance between Owner and Stylist. I love to be hands-on and work with my clients. Since reopening; I've made a point to create more of that balance. I've learned that working in my business has helped me to work on my business!

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

  1. To build an empire, you need to build a community- I have always believed that working with a team will help you to succeed. Investing in my team by building their skills has been a big part of our success. Mink was the first in Vancouver to offer hair training to its makeup artist, and we continue to do this today!
  2. Collaborate often- not only have we collaborated with those in the wedding industry, but networking and collaborating outside of your "target market" is also beneficial for any business looking to expand. I am part of many organizations that are not related to the Bridal industry, and therefore I am able to expand our brand presence to those who would not have heard about us otherwise.
  3. Ask for help- I came into this industry with little to no knowledge of how to run a business like ours. Lots to learn! I recently hired a business coach, and wow, I am super excited to reinvent the beauty service industry with everything I've learned from my coach.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://minkmakeupart.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/minkmakeup
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/minkmakeuphair/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/minkmakeup
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-valla-5669a528/

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.