Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in beauty and cosmetics but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Charisse Antolin, Co-Founder of Lash Dreams, located in Las Vegas, NV, USA.

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

Lash Dreams is an eyelash extension salon in Las Vegas that opened in July 2021. Our mission is to spread confidence and end the exploitation of clients and beauty professionals alike. We provide wholesome beauty and transparency to those who share the same values with our business.

Tell us about yourself

I have been in the beauty industry as a lash artist since 2014, so a little over 7 years now. After beginning my journey at other commission-based salons and then moving on and experiencing the struggles of being an independent beauty professional, I realized that the exploitation and mistreatment of beauty professionals and their clients are rampant. I decided to make a change in the beauty industry by starting my own salon to end their exploitation and help promote and nurture aspiring beauty professionals.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is making a genuine, positive change in the beauty industry and ending the exploitation of beauty professionals and clients. I strive to build up all my artists to the best of their abilities, hoping one day they can hold those same values when they go independent or start their own business.

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

The hardest thing that comes with being a business owner is picking yourself up every time you get discouraged. Business is always going to be trial and error, and whenever something doesn't go your way doesn't mean it's the end of the world. There is always a solution to your problem.

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

  1. If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything. Always keep your core values and stay true to yourself. If you don't, you may be taken advantage of by those who prey on vulnerability.
  2. If you don't ask, the answer will always be no. Don't miss out on opportunities because you're too scared to put yourself out there.
  3. Motivation does not equal discipline. Waking up one day and having all these great ideas and dreaming of doing them is completely different from actually managing your time and executing your ideas. You will always reap what you sow.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I'm truly grateful for all these opportunities I have created for myself and for sticking by my core values and ethics. It's only been one year, and I am already in the process of opening up my new business, Dream Suites (salon suite rentals). I believe being a good person and sticking to your morals will go a long way.

Where can people find you and your business?

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

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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