Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health & beauty, but not sure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Charlotte St-Germain, founder of Suntouched, based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Tell us all about your business...
Suntouched was born out of inspiration from the sea + sun. I love traveling & the sunshine and love the way my hair looks when lightened by the sun. I created this to offer a more affordable solution than getting a professional balayage for those who would rather sit by the sea than in a salon chair for hours and pay a fraction of the price. It's a convenient, fun, affordable, & hair-friendly solution for those on the go, the travelers, the sun lovers - the sunseekers we call our customers!
What's your background and motivation to grow as a solopreneur?
I’m a digital nomad. I follow the sun - literally and figuratively. I go where the sun is shining, where positivity, love of life & freedom prevails. I wanted to create a brand that encompasses this spirit. A brand that infuses metaphorical sunshine and freedom into people’s life. A brand that stands for living life on your terms, focusing less on how you look and more on how you live. It’s a choice to be a bit more natural, casual, and completely free.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Growing a successful brand that stands for my values: travel, freedom, beauty, love of life - while actively living out my values and traveling the world. Suntouched officially launched when I was living in sunny Riviera Maya, Mexico. The 10,000th order happened in an Uber ride on my way to hike the Acatenango & Fuego active volcano in Guatemala. Life has a lot to offer. It’s exciting. I wanted to create a range of clean, sustainable & effective hair lighteners that would work on all hair types to achieve sunkissed hair all year round for anyone and everyone who shares this attitude: less worrying, more living.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a solopreneur?
Sticking to your vision even when things in the very moment are different from how you want them to be. Playing the long game, not getting discouraged when something goes wrong, you need to adopt a problem-solving mindset and be resilient, and above all, trust yourself and your decisions.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run or grow a small business today?
- Develop your skills. Copywriting, photography, content creation, media buying, influencer marketing - fall in love with the process of learning & get good at lots of different aspects related to the business you want to start.
- Don't tell too many people about it at the start; only your most trusted friends that you know won't dissuade you from starting it. Everyone has their judgments & misconceptions about entrepreneurship, and at this fragile stage, you only need supportive people in your corner.
- Get very clear on your unique selling proposition right from the start; it'll help tremendously get clear on your niche, branding, and in turn, your marketing.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Despite all the unpredictability & ups and downs that come with running a business, it is worth it. Working every day towards a brand you believe in, and your financial independence is infinitely more rewarding and fulfilling than working towards someone else's dream.
Where can people find you online?
Website: https://suntouched.co/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@suntouchedhair?
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/charlottestger/
https://www.instagram.com/suntouched/
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.