Build Your Dream Business
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 Ashworth, 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.
Episodes

5 days ago
5 days ago
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

Monday Mar 03, 2025
Inside Vita Liberata: Alyson Hogg on entrepreneurship & beauty trends
Monday Mar 03, 2025
Monday Mar 03, 2025
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

Monday Dec 23, 2024
Creative Marketing Strategies for Attracting and Retaining Clients
Monday Dec 23, 2024
Monday Dec 23, 2024
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

Monday Dec 16, 2024
Creating Engaging Content: Strategies for Social Media Success
Monday Dec 16, 2024
Monday Dec 16, 2024
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

Monday Dec 09, 2024
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: A Hair Stylist’s Journey to Success
Monday Dec 09, 2024
Monday Dec 09, 2024
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

Monday Dec 02, 2024
Monday Dec 02, 2024
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

Monday Nov 25, 2024
Monday Nov 25, 2024
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

Monday Nov 18, 2024
Evolving in the Nail Industry: Insights from Belinda Price of OPI
Monday Nov 18, 2024
Monday Nov 18, 2024
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