Starting your own business can be overwhelming yet thrilling. No matter what industry you choose, there will always be hurdles and challenges along the way. When I started my lash extension business, I thought I had done enough research and preparation to ensure success. However, as time passed, I encountered several mistakes I wish I could have avoided. In this blog post, I will share five of the most significant mistakes I made when I started my lash extension business. This is not to discourage you but to give you a heads-up and help you avoid making similar mistakes.
Undercharging for services
One of the most significant mistakes I made when starting a lash business was undercharging for services. I thought that by lowering my prices, I would attract more customers and get ahead of my competitors. However, this strategy only led to me earning less and struggling to make a sustainable income. The solution was to increase my price point. I found that clients would accept higher prices if my work spoke for itself. Instead, focus on providing quality service and charge accordingly. This ensures that you earn a profit and attract the right clientele. So, don’t be afraid to charge what you’re worth!
Not building a brand
One essential aspect of owning a business is building a brand. I didn’t have any brand identity when I first started, and my business was just another lash extension service. I didn’t have a logo, website or social media presence. As a result, I struggled to attract new clients, and other professionals in the industry didn’t take me seriously.
The solution was investing time, effort, and money into building a brand. I created a logo, got a website, and regularly posted on social media. It didn’t happen overnight, but gradually, I noticed more clients come and gain reputation grew. Plus, building a brand gave me confidence in my business, and I was proud to show it off.
Neglecting marketing and networking
As a lash extension expert, I believed that my services spoke for themselves, and I did not invest in marketing strategies. This was another mistake on my part. As I encountered fierce competition in the market, I realized that marketing my business was crucial to attracting new clients and retaining the current ones. Invest in social media platforms, such as Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest, to reach potential clients. You can also offer promotions or referral programs to attract more customers.
I recognized that I needed to be networking more. I wasn’t attending industry events, joining professional organizations or contacting other professionals for advice. I worked hard to grow my business but did it alone in a bubble.
The solution was to start networking. By attending industry events, I met other professionals with similar interests. Not only did it help me deal with some of my challenges, but it also helped me grow my business through referrals. Sometimes, it’s not what you know but who you know. Networking can help you find like-minded people, grow your business and share experiences.
Not having a business plan
I was so excited to start my business that I didn’t take the time to write out a thorough and realistic business plan. I needed to understand the concept of market research and how it would impact my success. This resulted in me flying blindly into the industry and not knowing what I was getting into. I highly suggest taking the time to create a business plan before starting your business. A clear plan will help you stay focused, track your progress, and make adjustments along the way. It will not only provide you with a roadmap, but it will also help you understand how to make your business unique from your competitors. The plan should include your brand values, marketing plan, financial projections, and long-term goals.
Trying to do everything on my own
Finally, I made the mistake of trying to do everything on my own. Instead of delegating tasks or hiring help, I thought I could handle everything myself. This only led to burnout and prevented me from focusing on growing my business. It’s important to recognize your strengths and weaknesses and know when to delegate tasks. This will enable you to focus on growing your business and doing what you love most.
Starting a lash extension business can be a rewarding experience, but it’s not without obstacles. By avoiding the mistakes I made when starting my lash business, you set yourself up for success. Focus on charging the right prices for your services, invest in marketing, maintain consistency, use quality tools and products, and prioritize lash health and safety. Remember, these mistakes are not exclusive to the lash extension business. They can apply to other industries as well. So, be mindful, and always strive to learn, grow, and improve your business.
Should I start my own eyelash extension business? >>
Tips on how to use Instagram to get more lash clients >>
How to make plans and set goals for your existing eyelash business >>
