Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dominique Snip, Owner of Sheado, located in Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
As a Certified Cosmetic Formulator and Contract Formulator, I formulate and manufacture products for my brand, Sheado. My customers have curly and afro-textured hair. The assortment of products consists of shampoos, conditioners, beard products, hair creams, serums, treatments, and styling products. I also custom-make products for those with allergies and sensitive scalps. Furthermore, I provide my formulation services for others that want to start their own unique hair care product line.
Tell us about yourself
I am a 38-year-old Surinamese born now living for 22 years in Amsterdam. I started my business 10 years ago. During that time, there were no quality products for curly and afro-textured hair. My business has grown with a salon and academy in Amsterdam, next to my lab. My main love is the formulation service. I love working with different natural and organic ingredients to create a unique, clean product for hair & scalp. What gets me started every day is that I provide great products and the happiness that comes with them. People are really grateful for my business because they experience wonderful results.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
To be in business for 10 years - starting with my own money- is an accomplishment for me. Being a business owner and a mother at the same time is not easy. I love the fact that I can work for my own brand. But what really gives me joy is that I also help others, mainly young women entrepreneurs, to create their source of income with their own brands.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing is that no one is there to help you when times get rough. You are responsible for your own survival. My business has survived Brexit, COVID, and lockdowns because I remain positive and look for solutions to keep going.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Remember, No- one is coming to save you. You are responsible for your own survival. This means that when it gets hard, don't give up; look for ways to keep your business going. Also, create sources of passive income.
- Don't wait for the right time. If you want to start, the time is now!
- Keep yourself focused until the job is done. There is no point in announcing something that is not finished yet or hasn't even started yet. Just drop the final result and move on to the next job/goal.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.sheado.nl/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sheadohair
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dominiquesheado/
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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