Starting a beauty business is an exciting journey filled with creativity, empowerment, and the potential to transform lives—but it’s not all glamor and glitter. When I launched my beauty business, I was full of passion and ideas but quickly realized there were things no one tells you about running a business in this industry. If you're considering taking the leap into entrepreneurship, here are five lessons I wish I had learned before I started, infused with personal insights from my own experience.
1. Passion Is Important, but It’s Not Enough
When I first started, I believed passion would carry me through every challenge. And while it fueled my drive, I quickly learned that strategy and structure are just as critical. Passion doesn’t teach you how to manage inventory, attract customers, or navigate the complexities of running a business.
What I Learned:
Take the time to build a plan. I invested in a mentor who helped me map out the operational and financial side of my business, which made a world of difference. Passion gets you started, but preparation keeps you moving.
2. Your Brand Is More Than a Logo
When I launched, I poured hours into designing the perfect logo and aesthetic, thinking that’s what would define my brand. What I didn’t realize was that a brand goes so much deeper—it’s your message, your values, and how you make your customers feel. You need to bring your own twist to your brand,
What I Learned:
I shifted my focus to what my brand stood for: empowering women in the beauty industry and providing high-quality lash products. Once I clarified my mission, everything else—from marketing to customer interactions—fell into place.
Pro Tip: Don’t just build a business, build a brand story that connects with your audience on a personal level.
3. Learning Never Stops
When I first started, I thought the learning would stop after my initial training and certifications. I was wrong. Trends change, technology evolves, and the industry never stays still.
What I Learned:
I made it a point to continuously educate myself, attending workshops, following industry leaders, and keeping up with market trends. For example, when hybrid lash styles started gaining popularity, I quickly adapted my offerings to include training and supplies for this technique.
Staying ahead of the curve isn’t just an option—it’s a necessity.
4. You Can’t Do It All Alone
In the beginning, I wore every hat: marketer, product packager, social media manager, and accountant. I thought I had to do everything myself to save money and keep control, but it led to burnout.
What I Learned:
Delegating tasks and outsourcing things I wasn’t great at (like bookkeeping) gave me the freedom to focus on what I do best: mentoring and creating. Building a beauty business is not just about products or services; it’s about creating systems that allow your business to grow without wearing you down.
5. Success Takes Time and Patience
I’ll admit, I expected quicker results when I started. I thought the orders would come flooding in, but reality looked different. There were slow months and moments of doubt.
What I Learned:
Patience and consistency are key. I kept showing up—posting content, refining my offerings, and engaging with my audience—even when the results weren’t immediate. Over time, my persistence paid off, and now I see consistent growth.
Personal Story:
I remember launching my first product line and only selling a handful of items in the first month. I was crushed, but instead of giving up, I asked myself, “What can I do better?” I refined my messaging, improved my packaging, and focused on building genuine relationships with my audience. Slowly but surely, my business began to thrive.
Starting a beauty business is one of the most rewarding yet challenging things I’ve ever done. Every obstacle taught me something valuable, and every small victory reminded me why I started in the first place.
If you’re thinking about starting your own beauty business, remember this: It’s okay not to have all the answers at the beginning. Learn as you go, surround yourself with supportive people, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
You’ve got this, and the beauty industry is waiting for your unique touch! No one else can be you so make it worthwhile!
Ready to Start Your Own Beauty Business?
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow, ISJ Beauty offers training, mentorship, and high-quality lash supplies to help you build the business of your dreams. Let’s make your vision a reality!
More details at: beautyandmulaaa @ TheLeap