Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jennifer Howard-Brown, Owner and Managing Director of THE TEN SPOT beauty bar, located in Austin, TX, USA.

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

THE TEN SPOT is a one-stop beauty spot for busy people. We offer a variety of natural beauty services designed to make every guest feel like a ten. Our licensed experts specialize in waxing, manicures, pedicures, facial treatments, brow, and lash services. We cater to busy professionals and hard-working moms who don't have much time for "me-time" and deliver quality, efficient services in their busy schedules to make sure they walk in and strut out.

Tell us about yourself

I took a big left turn, leaving a career in semiconductors for the beauty biz! I always had an entrepreneurial spirit and wanted to do something that makes people happy and let me be more connected to women in my community, directly helping lift up other women and supporting other woman-owned businesses.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I love the community we've built between our 10spot team and our guests. Our guests are far more than customers. They've become our friends, family, and business partners. I love that we get to be part of their daily routines, self-care, and milestones in life.

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

The hardest part is juggling everything! As a small business owner, you're the human resources, accounting, marketing, sales, IT, procurement, maintenance, security, business development, + much more all rolled into one. Some days I miss the corporate life of being able to call another department for help.

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

  1. Leverage your network. Learn everything you can from friends, family, colleagues, and their extended network. Then, be ready to lean on them for advice and help along the way.
  2. Personally invest in your people more than their paychecks. Give them your time, empathy, and energy, as well as the tools and skills to do the best job. It will pay you back by having a loyal, talented team to grow the business with you and ultimately help them reach their goals in life. Your staff is the real differentiator for the business.
  3. Be a good partner. Whether that's to your staff, to your guests, or to other business owners. Find ways to connect and look for partnership opportunities to help grow both of your businesses!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.thetenspot.com/rosedale-village/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/x.atxrosedale/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennhb/


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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