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We hope everyone’s staying safe and well during lockdown. It’s certainly been a year to remember and forget, but hopefully things can get back to normal in the future.
To help out, we’re writing features for local businesses to get the word out about them to local people. The first in our series is a business that’s been affected more than most due to lockdown rules.
The award winning Lash & Brow Workshop (Facebook page), owned by Kris Pym, specialises in Eyelash Extensions, Lash Lifts but also Brow Henna & Brow Lamination.
I recently asked Kris a few questions about her business. Here’s what she had to say…
How did you get into starting the business?
I kind of fell into it when I became pregnant. Because of the change of family situation, I was going to lose quite a bit of earnings every single month & on top of that we were relocating to Torquay. My neighbour at the time just started teaching, so I thought I would do a course with her and maybe just offer them to family & friends to earn a bit of extra spending money.
Little did I know I was going to fall completely in love with it! Since that initial course, it has become my hobby, my passion, my escapism, my obsession and also… my full time job!
How long has the business been running for?
The business started in 2016 so I am now in my 4th year!
What is the most rewarding part of running your own business?
There are so many, I don’t know where to start!
From a treatment point of view, I love it when clients open their eyes and they are just wowed away at the results.
From a teaching point of view, it is really amazing to see your students grow in their own journey and knowing how you have contributed to their lives.
I know how much doing a simple 1 day training course has changed my own life, so knowing that I am doing that for them is just out of this world amazing. I really want my students to succeed and it is also for this reason that I make sure that my students know that my door is always open for them, even after they qualify.
From a personal point of view, I just love being my own boss. I am one of those people who always has lots of ideas and I can impliment them as I see fit.
Lastly but definitely not least, being my own boss fits around our family life. I always wanted to be there for my children and see them grow up and this job allows me to do that. Because at the end of the day, all the hard work is always for them.
What has been the most difficult part of it?
Sticking to my set working hours! I always try to accommodate clients, students & customers as much as I can and really struggle saying no resulting in quite a hectic life most of the time.
Any plans to expand in the future?
Yes, definitely! I am hoping to grow my product range but like I said before, I always have so many ideas but I am keeping my lips sealed on what this may be.
Any advice to young people in the area looking to start a business?
I would say Dream Big & Work Even Harder.
Have a vision & set goals.
Break those goals down in bite size chunks and work at them day in day out. Never lose track of what you are trying to achieve.
I would say, be prepared for the set backs, they are inevitable and they will make you stronger if you are prepared to learn from them.
And finally, never ever give up!
What’s your favourite thing about Torbay?
Without a doubt the pace of life and the beaches! We love living in Torbay.
Thanks so much Kris for answering our questions, and all the best for when you re-open!
👍
