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

4 days ago
4 days ago
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

Monday Apr 07, 2025
The art of nail photography: secrets to eye-catching content
Monday Apr 07, 2025
Monday Apr 07, 2025
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

Monday Mar 31, 2025
Navigating a new country and building a beauty business
Monday Mar 31, 2025
Monday Mar 31, 2025
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

Monday Mar 24, 2025
Rebuilding a career in nails after maternity leave
Monday Mar 24, 2025
Monday Mar 24, 2025
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

Monday Mar 17, 2025
How this nail tech built a successful home salon
Monday Mar 17, 2025
Monday Mar 17, 2025
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

Monday Mar 10, 2025
Lessons in networking, confidence & branding from an MUA
Monday Mar 10, 2025
Monday Mar 10, 2025
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