Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in beauty and cosmetics but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Laura Santoyo, Founder and CEO of Date Nite Beaute, located in Berwyn, IL, USA.

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

I am creating my own line of cosmetics. As a previous freelance makeup artist for eight years and with a passion for the industry for 25 years, I use my personal experience to bring quality products to the brand. My customers are makeup enthusiasts, makeup artists, and makeup lovers between the ages of 25-47.

Tell us about yourself

My idea for the business came during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. All special events came to a halt, and so did my business as a freelance makeup artist. This caused me to pivot and take my experience and passion to the back end and create a line/company that I would at that time take to e-commerce in order to be sustainable through this time. I felt that during bleak times, we needed something to brighten our mood; it was important to bring sparkle and glitter to my line. Bling and glitter are my favorite colors, and building a brand around things I love, it's truly exciting, to work. There are so many more people just like me who get happy about glitter and glam. To know I can make others happy with my products, store, and experience is true inner happiness and motivation for me to keep doing what I'm doing.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment has been to receive a 6-month opportunity at The Berwyn Shops, a homegrown project in Berwyn, IL, along with 11 other small businesses. At the end of the cohort experience, we were granted $10,000 to apply to a permanent storefront in Berwyn, IL. This is my project for 2023 to secure property to continue to grow Date Nite Beaute.

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

One of the hardest things for me that comes with being a business owner is when to separate work from home. I'm working around the clock, which I'm sure is not healthy long term, but it is my passion, so it doesn't feel like work.

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

My top 3 tips I'd like to give someone are; first, you will need capital to invest in your business idea. Instead of asking for material things during birthdays, graduation, or Christmas, ask for gift cards or cash to purchase for your business. Second, using Google, YouTube is your biggest resource if you don't know where to start. During COVID-19, all I had was time to search, and I searched my little heart out to find the resources I needed to get my business going. And lastly, once you have a business going, do not work alone. Learn to collaborate, and don't think of it as competition. There is plenty for all of us to win. Collaborating with others allows your network to grow. And when that happens, you will begin to be seen and flourish.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://datenitebeaute.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/datenitebeaute/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/datenitebeaute/

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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