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

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

Monday Nov 11, 2024
Monday Nov 11, 2024
In this episode, Rose Lonsdale, Global Senior Education Manager at Nouveau HD Beauty Group, shares her inspiring journey from practitioner to educator in the beauty industry. Rose highlights the importance of continuous learning, staying on top of industry trends, and the power of brand association for building trust with consumers. She also provides valuable advice for beauty professionals looking to grow their businesses and discusses current beauty trends, including sustainability and ethical sourcing.
In This Episode, We Cover:
Rose’s transition from beauty practitioner to educator
The importance of continuous learning in the beauty industry
How brand association and recognition impact business success
Current trends: sustainability, ethical sourcing, and consumer awareness
Advice for beauty professionals looking to grow their business
Useful Links:
Follow Nouveau Lashes on Instagram: @nouveaulashesuk
Follow HD Brows on Instagram: @hdbrowsofficial
Explore Nouveau Beauty training courses: Nouveau Beauty Training , Online training courses
Explore HD Brows training courses: HD Brows Training

Monday Nov 04, 2024
Monday Nov 04, 2024
Lilly McGlinn, owner of Elem Studio, shares her journey from accidentally entering the nail industry to running a successful salon with a bold and colourful brand. She talks about using social media to attract clients, finding her niche with unique nail art, and the challenges of running a studio of self employed beauty professionals. Lilly also shares her goals for expanding her nail care product line and offers advice on following your passion.
In This Episode, We Cover:
Growing a nail business through social media
Finding a niche with unique nail art
Challenges of running a salon
Setting goals and expanding product lines
Following your passion and taking risks
Useful Links:
Follow Lilly on Instagram: @nailsbylillymay
Follow Elem Studio on Instagram: @elemstudio
Lilly’s Website: booksolo.co/nailsbylillymay

Monday Oct 28, 2024
Creating Loyal Clients: Effective Retention Strategies
Monday Oct 28, 2024
Monday Oct 28, 2024
In this episode, Steph Kelly shares her inspiring journey into the beauty industry and how she launched her own business during a lockdown. She discusses the importance of continuous learning, staying updated with the latest treatments, and building confidence by initially offering services to friends and family. Steph also emphasises personal branding, building trust, and providing a personalised experience to ensure client retention.
In This Episode, We Cover
The role of continuous learning and staying updated with new treatments
Creating engaging content, such as reels and behind-the-scenes videos
The importance of providing detailed information in social media posts
Investing in supportive and value-aligned brands
Personal branding and showcasing personality to build client trust
Strategies for managing social media, including scheduling posts and using Instagram insights
Utilising external tools and services for content creation and growth
Building strong relationships with clients and providing personalised experiences
Tips for encouraging client retention and retailing, such as rebooking and loyalty discounts
Useful Links
Follow Steph Kelly on Instagram: @beautyby_stephk
Book appointments and explore services: Steph’s Website
Beauty Growth Academy: @beauty_growth_academy