Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Trena Olfert, founder of Trena Laine Makeup Co., located in Calgary, AB, Canada.

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

The award-winning Trena Laine team is based just outside of the beautiful Canadian Rockies in Calgary, Alberta. Trena and her team are proud to offer their services not only throughout Alberta but also across British Columbia as well as many different international destinations. If you have an event you would like our team to travel for, don't hesitate to get in touch.

We have been specializing in beauty and enhancement makeup for the past 17 years with a heavy emphasis on understanding our client's concerns, needs, and skin types. We customize our applications to compliment every client's individual needs while taking into consideration things such as age, face/eye shapes, skin concerns, and more. Our founder Trena Laine got her start in the beauty industry as a facialist/skin therapist with a special interest in skin problems, so our entire team is highly skilled at addressing your skin conditions/concerns and giving you a stunning polished look.

The Trena Laine team has worked hard over the last decade to bring our signature refreshed, bright, and rested looks to clients all around the world. The Trena Laine team has become highly sought after in the bridal world, and you may have seen our work continuously published in magazines including BRIDE, Rocky Mountain Bride, and more. We are continuously showcased as feature makeup artists on popular beauty blogs such as Confetti Wedding Magazine, Style Me Pretty, and many others.

Tell us about yourself

I started my career with skin therapy and happily transitioned into a Professional Makeup Artist within a couple of short years, running a successful makeup studio with a collective team that provides services for weddings, elopements, fashion, commercial and corporate. Every day is NOT the same, and I am in an industry that gives me flexibility on when I need to work or when I just enjoy my time. However, when taking care of others, it is best to put yourself first and schedule proper me time, wellness, and a day of weekly unplugging. Allows you to stay fresh and motivated to show up. I host workshops, I see clients, I am training others/team and always in meetings, plus the admin/behind the scenes of operating a company can be a lot, but when you find the right people to work with, it makes it an amazing experience. Create your best work family! Keeps the jobs exciting and fulfilling.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Training and equipping other artists, providing jobs, having clients that go 20 years back, winning awards along the way as a company and as an entrepreneur, and being able to travel and play all while working. I have been to some amazing places.

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

Wearing many hats, however, learning to delegate is #1. Saying no to things that you know may bring you extra cash, but knowing when you are maxed out and being honest is key. Open communication and transparency with my team and partnerships.

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

  1. Hire an accountant and get your financials in order. I did this from Day 1. Learning to master your financial success while growing a business is very important.
  2. Utilize companies that can assist and help you grow. Here in AB, we have Alberta Women's Entrepreneur and Business Link. Get on email lists to attend webinars, network, and take advantage of programs, financing, and grants.
  3. Create a work family. I am in the business of relationships and find it beneficial when you have partnerships, work wives, and people you can lean on, grow together and create success.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Set your schedule as you see fit. Create habits that allow you to enjoy life and have time to enjoy it. Don't be a slave to your business and have zero shame in growing it as fiercely as you can, but allow yourself to celebrate, renew, and get then get back to it. It's rewarding working for yourself!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.trenalaine.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrenaLaine/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trenalainemakeupcompany/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trena-olfert-05373627/

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.