Annie was one of the first friends I made when I started my very first job in 2007, doing IT recruitment. She worked at a neighbouring company and we became instant friends.
Let me hand over to her for Part Five of our series.
Tell us a little about yourself and what you do.
I'm a wife and mother of two beautiful girls; I'm a qualified beauty therapist.
When did you start your business?
2017 part-time, 2018 full-time.
How did the idea for your business come about?
I've always loved beauty therapy! I never thought I'd have my own Salon one day... after Beauty School, I had a little space in my Dad's entertainment area doing treatments. At the time, the Beauty industry was not as popular as it is now, business was never constant and I decided to set beauty aside and join the corporate world. Fast forward more than 12 years, I never thought of going back to doing beauty treatments, until one day, I did a friend's nails at my dining room table and it all spiraled from there. A logo was created, as well as a Facebook page and Annie's Beauty Nook was re-born.
How did you come up with the name of your company?
In high school I inherited the name 'Annie', it stuck... so hence Annie's Beauty Nook.
What has been your greatest highlight/achievement as an entrepreneur?
Flexibility! I have time to spend with my family, especially now with this pandemic, I was able to see to their needs.
What is unique about your business?
Gosh, I try to be unique. There are many doing what I'm doing, but I still do things 'old school', the way we were taught at beauty school. My first priority is to make my client comfortable. They must enjoy their experience.
How do you market your business, and which tactics have been most successful for you?
I generally use Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp BUT word of mouth works best for me.
On average, how many hours a day do you work?
All day! I'm a Mom, its 23:31 and I'm doing this interview (haha). The earliest I start seeing clients is 7:30am, the latest 7:30pm. I try to be very accommodating to all my clients because I know how difficult it is to work full time and wanting a spoil once in a while.
What does a typical look like for you?
I wake at about 5:45am then prepare lunch, kids will start surfacing and put in their orders for breakfast. With lockdown school starts at 9am, so for now, my first client arrives at 11am while I'm still doing the school bit. Before lockdown, a normal work day started at 9am (sometimes earlier). If I do have gaps in between clients, I start cooking for supper or get to the shops for school snacks; if not, I'd try to finish my clients at 6pm... when my kids and hubby usually get home. Then it's the night time routine... supper and bathing, checking homework. Usually, when I get into bed I'll read or catch up on client cards.
How has being an entrepreneur affected your home life or life in general?
In the beginning it was hard, sometimes it still is. A usual Saturday, when most are out and about, I'm working. My Saturdays are booked 2-3 months in advance, but like anything, we all adjusted as a family. I have the flexibility to be more present for important events etc.
If you had the chance to start your business over again, what would you do differently?
I'd start earlier... at least 5 years ago!
If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be?
Don't be afraid. Start. Begin. Do it! Use what you have and start somewhere. Don't give up! It will be tough, but it's so much more rewarding in the long run.
Where can we find you on social media?
Facebook: Annie's Beauty Nook
Instagram handle: @annies.beautynook