Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jessica Dickson, founder of Jessica's Beauty Service, located in Calgary, AB, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business provides on-location makeup, manicures, and pedicures to clients in their homes, saving them the hassle of going out to a salon. My services are appreciated by new mothers, seniors, people with disabilities, and busy professionals. Whether I am called on to do regular monthly nail care or makeup for a special occasion, I show up with everything needed to bring professional esthetic services to clients wherever they are.
Tell us about yourself
The idea for my business came to me when a client hired me to go to her home to do makeup and manicures for herself and her friends. It was so much fun, and I thought it would be a wonderful service to offer to everyone. I continued to work in salons until my three children were born. At that point, I needed a more flexible schedule, so I started my mobile service. 21 years later, I continue to travel to my client's homes, providing services they greatly appreciate. I love the freedom of travelling around and working in different locations every day and can't imagine doing anything else!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I have worked as an independent solopreneur for 21 years. In those years, I have provided services to hundreds of people from the age of 3 to 103. My clients include grandmothers, executives, athletes, and even celebrities. You can see my manicures and pedicures in several movies and tv shows.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest part of owning my own business is balancing work and family. I work long hours trying to fit in every client, and then after working with clients, I have all the work of running a business to deal with. From website updating to social media to bookkeeping, there is a never-ending stream of things that need to be done. Creating boundaries has been my biggest struggle, but it is something that needs to be done.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Set up business hours and stick to them, no matter what!
- When you can afford it, hire help with things you don't like doing. Having a bookkeeper is worth every penny to me.
- Keep going, and don't give up. Business takes time to build, so you have to keep pushing forward even when it doesn't seem like it is going to work.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
You will have success and failure in your business. You don't need to know everything to get started. Just start and learn as you go.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.beautifulsoles.ca/home
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beautifulsoles.ca
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beautifulsoles.ca/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicasbeautyservice/
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.