Welcome to Build Your Dream Business, brought to you by Solo. More than just a booking app, we’re a community for independent pros in hair, beauty, and wellness. In this series, our host, Katrina, will bring you closer to real stories of success from the industry’s finest and share practical advice to help your business flourish. At Solo, we understand the journey of working independently and our goal is to connect, empower, and inspire you. We’re here to make sure that even though you work solo, you’re never truly alone.
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Welcome to Build Your Dream Business, brought to you by Solo. More than just a booking app, we’re a community for independent pros in hair, beauty, and wellness. In this series, our host, Katrina, will bring you closer to real stories of success from the industry’s finest and share practical advice to help your business flourish. At Solo, we understand the journey of working independently and our goal is to connect, empower, and inspire you. We’re here to make sure that even though you work solo, you’re never truly alone.
In today’s episode, Sophie Lee-Ryan shares her journey into the tanning industry, from her first clients to building a thriving mobile beauty business. She discusses how networking and word-of-mouth referrals helped her grow, the importance of client relationships, and her best strategies for creating a seamless client experience. Sophie also talks about balancing work and family life, setting up a referral system, and the role of social media in showcasing her work.
In This Episode, We Cover
How Sophie built her tanning business through networking and referrals
The importance of strong client relationships in the beauty industry
Tips for creating a smooth and professional client experience
Balancing work, family life, and business growth
The role of social media in building a personal brand
Useful Links
Follow Sophie on Instagram: @sunkissedbysoph
Explore Sophie’s work and services: Sophie's Website
In today’s episode, Jessica shares her journey from working in a salon to running her own beauty business from home. She discusses building a client base, creating a welcoming salon space, and managing client relationships. She also covers personal branding on social media, pricing strategies, and balancing work and personal life. Jessica shares lessons learned from mistakes, daily business practices, and how meditation helps manage stress.
In This Episode, We Cover
Transitioning from salon work to self-employment
Building a client base through social media and referrals
Creating a professional home salon environment
Managing client relationships and trust
Pricing strategies and financial management
Work-life balance and staying organised
The role of meditation in stress management
Useful Links
Follow Jessica on Instagram: @byjessicarolfe
Explore Jessica’s services: Jessica’s website
In today’s episode, Chelsey Long shares her journey from the department store beauty counter to becoming a successful self-employed lash tech. She discusses the challenges of building a loyal clientele, evolving her marketing strategies, and the importance of creating a welcoming workspace. Chelsey also touches on work-life balance, setting boundaries with clients, and her aspirations to educate others in the industry.
In This Episode, We Cover
Transitioning from retail to being a self employed lash tech
Strategies for building a loyal client base
Adapting to challenges and adjusting marketing strategies
Creating a comfortable and professional home workspace
Setting boundaries, cancellation policies, and client relationships
The importance of business education in the beauty industry
Useful Links
Follow Chelsey on Instagram: @thecosmetologist
Explore Chelsey’s work and book appointments: Chelsey’s Website
In today’s episode, Khrystal Greenland shares her journey from A&E nurse to luxury nail technician and content creator. She reveals how social media helped build her business and the secrets behind her high quality content. From lighting and setup to creating eye catching photos and reels, Khrystal shares her best tips for making your work stand out. She also discusses pricing strategies, work-life balance, and what she’s learned from juggling multiple careers.
In This Episode, We Cover
Transitioning from nursing to a beauty career
The secrets behind creating stunning nail content
Social media strategies for beauty professionals
Pricing luxury services and managing client expectations
Work-life balance and growing a successful beauty business
Useful Links
Follow Khrystal on Instagram: @kkraftlondon
Explore Khrystal’s work and services: Khrystal’s website
In this episode, Catia Cardoso shares her journey of arriving in the UK to work as a cleaner and transforming her career to become a successful hair and makeup artist. Catia discusses overcoming language barriers, building a business from scratch, and the importance of networking and personal branding. She also highlights the role of trust in client relationships, the power of social media, and her passion for teaching. Packed with practical advice, this episode is an inspiring listen for anyone looking to grow their business or start fresh.
In This Episode, We Cover
Catia’s journey from cleaner to hair and makeup artist
Overcoming challenges as an immigrant and learning new skills
The power of networking and personal branding
Building trust and lasting client relationships
Managing time effectively as a self-employed professional
Useful Links
Follow Catia on Instagram: instagram.com/hmuaccatia
Catia’s website: booksolo.co/catia-cardoso
In today’s episode, Sophie Thompson shares her journey from event management to running a successful home based nail business. She discusses how lockdown reignited her passion for nails, the importance of community in the beauty industry, and the strategies she used to build a loyal client base. Sophie also reflects on the challenges of maternity leave, time management as a business owner, and the power of sticking to business principles. With insights on client relationships, social media, and long term growth, this episode is packed with valuable advice for beauty entrepreneurs.
In This Episode, We Cover
Transitioning from event management to a career in nails
How lockdown changed the beauty industry and created new opportunities
Building strong client relationships and a welcoming home salon
Managing business growth while balancing personal life
Social media, booking systems, and business strategies for success
Useful Links
Follow Sophie on Instagram: @nails.with.sophie
Explore Sophie’s work and book appointments: Sophie’s Website
In this episode, Demi Newman shares her journey from dancer to successful nail tech and home salon owner. She discusses building a clientele through social media, pricing strategies, and creating a welcoming client experience. Demi also reflects on self employment challenges, branding authenticity, and learning from early mistakes.
In This Episode, We Cover
Transitioning from dance to beauty
Building a client base through social media
Pricing strategies and overcoming self doubt
Running a successful home based salon
Authentic branding and marketing techniques
Useful Links
Follow Demi on Instagram: @sassinailtech
Explore Demi’s work and book appointments: Demi’s Website
In this episode, Kiran Phlora shares her journey from working at a Chanel beauty counter to building a successful career as a makeup artist. She discusses overcoming self doubt, the power of networking, and how she grew her personal brand. Kiran also highlights the importance of setting boundaries, staying current with beauty trends, and learning from past mistakes as she looks to the future of her business.
In This Episode, We Cover
Transitioning from retail to a freelance MUA career
The importance of networking and word-of-mouth referrals
Overcoming self doubt and building confidence
Growing a personal brand
Setting boundaries and maintaining a work-life balance
Useful Links
Follow Kiran on Instagram: @kphlo_mua
Explore Kiran’s work and book appointments: Kiran’s website
Summary
Alyson Hogg, founder of Vita Liberata, shares her incredible journey from academia to entrepreneurship at 40, founding a game changing tanning brand and navigating the competitive beauty industry. She discusses product innovation, consumer trust, and the evolving digital landscape, along with the challenges of reacquiring her brand and fostering a positive team culture. Alyson also reflects on workplace toxicity, the power of daily goal setting, and embracing natural beauty trends. Packed with insights on business growth, decision making, and personal development, this episode is a must listen for beauty entrepreneurs.
In This Episode, We Cover
Transitioning from academia to entrepreneurship in beauty
Building consumer trust and brand loyalty
Overcoming skepticism and market challenges in tanning
Recognising and addressing toxicity in workplace culture
The role of digital marketing in brand growth
Daily practices and goal setting for business success
Useful Links
Follow Alyson Hogg on Instagram: @alysonhogg
Follow Vita Liberata on Instagram: @vitaliberata
Vita Liberata’s website: www.vitaliberata.com
In today’s episode, we talk to Romy Olivia Tillyer, an award winning brow and lash specialist. She shares her journey, including creative marketing strategies for attracting clients, the importance of seeing things from the clients' perspective to guide her content creation, and the value of building strong client relationships.
In This Episode, We Cover:
Transitioning to self-employment in beauty
Creative marketing strategies for client acquisition
Effective time management for independent professionals
Crafting engaging content
Investing in quality equipment
Building strong client relationships
Navigating price increases
The value of continuous learning and community
Useful Links:
Follow Romy on Instagram: @romyoliviabrows
Learn more about Romy’s services: Romy's Website
In this episode, we speak to Maisie Arnold, a successful nail technician and educator. Maisie shares her journey from being a personal assistant to becoming a full time nail technician, highlighting the importance of social media in building her client base. She discusses her strategies for providing quality service, maintaining client relationships, and expanding her offerings to include spray tans and pedicures. Maisie emphasises the significance of continuous education, effective time management, and the challenges of self-employment.
In This Episode, We Cover:
Transitioning from a personal assistant to a nail technician
The role of social media in client acquisition
Strategies for maintaining client relationships
Expanding service offerings, including spray tans and pedicures
The importance of continuous education and time management
Useful Links:
Follow Maisie on Instagram: @bymaisiejayne
Check out her website: Maisie Arnold - Nail Technician
In today’s episode, Tigerlili Roberts shares her journey from hairdressing apprentice to self-employed stylist. She tells us all about how she built her client base on social media during lockdown and highlights the importance of client relationships, managing expectations, and overcoming imposter syndrome.
In This Episode, We Cover:
Transitioning to self-employment in hairdressing
Using social media to grow a client base
Building and managing client relationships
Handling imposter syndrome and setting future goals
Tips for flexible time management
Useful Links:
Follow Tigerlili on Instagram: @hairby_tiger
Tigerlili’s website: booksolo.co/hairbytiger
In this episode, Beth Corkish, a talented nail technician, shares her inspiring journey from doing nails for friends and family to building a successful nail business. She emphasises the power of word-of-mouth and social media, particularly Instagram, in growing her clientele. Beth discusses how she stays current with nail trends using tools like Pinterest and Instagram for inspiration. Despite her busy schedule, she manages to balance her nail business with a part-time job in the emergency services.
In This Episode, We Cover
Beth’s entry into the nail industry and the growth of her business
The impact of social media and word-of-mouth in gaining clients
Consistency in work and social media as a key to success
Using Pinterest and Instagram for nail trend inspiration
Tips for taking and editing high-quality photos
Encouraging bookings through calls to action in posts
Building lasting relationships with clients
Managing a nail business alongside a part-time job in emergency services
Future plans for transitioning to full-time nail work
Useful Links
Follow Beth Corkish on Instagram: @novathelabel_
Book appointments and explore services: Beth’s Website
Summary:
In this episode, Amy Hide, a celebrity and fashion manicurist, shares her journey in the beauty industry and the importance of finding your ideal clients. After successfully running a chain of salons, Amy transitioned to freelance work. She emphasises choosing clients who align with your values and lifestyle, and discusses how social media can help build a client base. Amy also shares her experience in session work, the significance of networking, and her goals for the future, including her dream of doing a certain country music star’s nails one day.
In This Episode, We Cover:
Finding your ideal clients in the beauty industry
The impact of social media on attracting clients
The importance of networking and gaining experience in session work
Managing time effectively as a self-employed professional
Embracing authenticity and building your personal brand
Useful Links:
Follow Amy Hide on Instagram: @amyh.manicurist
Check out her website: Amy Hide - Manicurist
In today’s episode, Belinda Price shares her extensive journey in the nail industry, from nail technician to Education and Capability Manager at OPI. Belinda shares valuable insights on retail strategies and discusses the importance of building brand trust and understanding product allergies, as well as sharing tips for aspiring educators.
In This Episode, We Cover:
The evolution of nail techniques
Effective retail strategies for nail techs
Building and retaining strong client relationships
The importance of brand trust and client safety
Tips for those aspiring to become educators in beauty
Useful Links:
Follow OPI on Instagram: @opinailsuk
OPI education and resources: OPI Professional Resource Hub
In this episode, Rose Lonsdale, Global Senior Education Manager at Nouveau HD Beauty Group, shares her inspiring journey from practitioner to educator in the beauty industry. Rose highlights the importance of continuous learning, staying on top of industry trends, and the power of brand association for building trust with consumers. She also provides valuable advice for beauty professionals looking to grow their businesses and discusses current beauty trends, including sustainability and ethical sourcing.
In This Episode, We Cover:
Rose’s transition from beauty practitioner to educator
The importance of continuous learning in the beauty industry
How brand association and recognition impact business success
Current trends: sustainability, ethical sourcing, and consumer awareness
Advice for beauty professionals looking to grow their business
Useful Links:
Follow Nouveau Lashes on Instagram: @nouveaulashesuk
Follow HD Brows on Instagram: @hdbrowsofficial
Explore Nouveau Beauty training courses: Nouveau Beauty Training , Online training courses
Explore HD Brows training courses: HD Brows Training
Lilly McGlinn, owner of Elem Studio, shares her journey from accidentally entering the nail industry to running a successful salon with a bold and colourful brand. She talks about using social media to attract clients, finding her niche with unique nail art, and the challenges of running a studio of self employed beauty professionals. Lilly also shares her goals for expanding her nail care product line and offers advice on following your passion.
In This Episode, We Cover:
Growing a nail business through social media
Finding a niche with unique nail art
Challenges of running a salon
Setting goals and expanding product lines
Following your passion and taking risks
Useful Links:
Follow Lilly on Instagram: @nailsbylillymay
Follow Elem Studio on Instagram: @elemstudio
Lilly’s Website: booksolo.co/nailsbylillymay
In this episode, Steph Kelly shares her inspiring journey into the beauty industry and how she launched her own business during a lockdown. She discusses the importance of continuous learning, staying updated with the latest treatments, and building confidence by initially offering services to friends and family. Steph also emphasises personal branding, building trust, and providing a personalised experience to ensure client retention.
In This Episode, We Cover
The role of continuous learning and staying updated with new treatments
Creating engaging content, such as reels and behind-the-scenes videos
The importance of providing detailed information in social media posts
Investing in supportive and value-aligned brands
Personal branding and showcasing personality to build client trust
Strategies for managing social media, including scheduling posts and using Instagram insights
Utilising external tools and services for content creation and growth
Building strong relationships with clients and providing personalised experiences
Tips for encouraging client retention and retailing, such as rebooking and loyalty discounts
Useful Links
Follow Steph Kelly on Instagram: @beautyby_stephk
Book appointments and explore services: Steph’s Website
Beauty Growth Academy: @beauty_growth_academy
Isabel Blake, a master Bio Sculpture manicurist, shares her journey from working in a nail salon to running her own successful business. She discusses how she grew her Instagram during the pandemic, built strong client relationships, and the importance of setting work-life boundaries. Isabel also offers advice on taking risks and the power of community in the beauty industry.
In This Episode, We Cover:
Transitioning from a nail salon to self-employment
Growing a client base through Instagram
Building trust with clients
Managing work-life balance
The importance of continuous learning and skill development
Useful Links:
Follow Isabel on Instagram: @isabelblakenails
Visit Isabel’s website: booksolo.co/isabelblakenails
In this episode, Nicky Matthews, the founder of Sienna X, shares her incredible journey from being an air hostess to becoming a leading entrepreneur in the beauty industry. Nicky and Katrina dive into topics like adapting to industry changes, maintaining high standards, and building trust with clients. Nicky emphasises the importance of client retention, having a solid business plan, and the role of community support in growing a successful beauty business. She also highlights the importance of continuous learning and wraps up with a fun quick-fire round of beauty favourites and trends.
In This Episode, We Cover:
Nicky's journey from air hostess to beauty entrepreneur
Adapting to industry trends and changes
Maintaining high standards to build lasting client relationships
Effective client retention strategies
The importance of having a business plan
How community support can uplift independent beauty professionals
Training and practice for success in tanning
The role of social media in client engagement
Belief and perseverance in business
Useful Links:
Follow Sienna X on Instagram: @siennaxofficial
Visit Sienna X's website sienna-x.co.uk
Find a Sienna X therapist: Sienna X Therapist Finder
Learn more about Sienna X training: Sienna X training
Welcome to Build Your Dream Business, brought to you by Solo. More than just a booking app, we’re a community for independent pros in hair, beauty, and wellness. In this series, our host, Katrina, will bring you closer to real stories of success from the industry’s finest and share practical advice to help your business flourish. At Solo, we understand the journey of working independently and our goal is to connect, empower, and inspire you. We’re here to make sure that even though you work solo, you’re never truly alone.