We were lucky to catch up with Vanessa Faulkner recently and have shared our conversation below.

Vanessa, appreciate you joining us today. Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.

I spent months looking for the right course to study in order to obtain my beautician qualifications. I knew no one working in the field at the time, so spent a lot of time scanning the internet and in all honesty getting scammed out of some money by fake beauty academies.

I attended a party with my mum where a friend of hers was celebrating her first anniversary of her brows and lashes studio. I ended up winning a raffle for a free treatment and during which spent the whole time talking about beauty, my vision and idea to open my own beauty studio. The lovely Demi, then put me in contact with the spectator Leanne Bolton who had been working in the beauty industry and training beauty therapists for 15+ years.

Step one was completed. I had gained my qualifications but what followed was months of procrastination and delay due to my own fears and what ifs.
What if I fail? What if I cannot get any clients? How will I buy all the equipment? Where will I put my clients? Where will I get the capital to start up ? What if I’ve forgotten all my training already ?
I was fresh out of completing my masters degree, with no money, another debt to pay and an agency job that could cease at any moment.

My good friends, Temi and Nicole, consistently reminded me that the hardest part was already done and if perfection was what I was waiting for, my business never stood a chance.

So I started…In my bedroom, practicing on my friends (thanks Leigh!), mum and boyfriend. Mastering my techniques and skills, while saving for the basic equipments; a steamer, treatment bed (gifted), tools and much more. Nicole is a fantastic artist (@Naomi’scanvas on IG), so she created my logo, that I still use to this day, free of charge! I held my first pamper party in my bedroom with 3 friends, taking enough pictures and videos just so I could have content to upload on my social media accounts. EVERYONE was so supportive!

Vanessa, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I completed face to face – theoretical and practical training in order to gain my beauticians qualification. I learnt how to deliver basic facials, dermaplaning facials and oxygen infused facials.

Be Still was created with the intention to introduce skin care as a form of self care and relaxation. Combining beauty and aesthetics with positive emotional and mental well-being. The name itself, Be Still, represents the business Mantra of encouraging complete solitude away from the intensity of everyday life. I have created a space that focuses not only on a clients external beauty to boast self confidence but also by combining meditation with treatment, allowing time for recuperation and rest.

Growing up I had always known that venturing into the world of entrepreneurship was on my cards. I have attempted creating business in the past, some of which successful (children’s academic tutoring service) and others not so (Shea butter sales). All of which I started with a business partner. Part of my hesitation towards launching Be Still was because there was no business partners or co founders. With a business partner comes half the responsibility, half the fear and half the work. I visioned, created and executed my plan independently and that is what I am most proud of. #soonontop

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I often use the phrase ‘Pain to Power’ as my life MOTO.

Be Still was created during my own personal period of ‘pain’ following a significant life event. During this time I looked for ways to help boast my mood and support my own mental health. I engaged in meditation, creative writing, prayer, journaling and eventually educating my self on a new skill which happened to be skin care.
Whenever feeling low or sad, I opened my journal and wrote pages and pages of what my business would be and how I would get there, what it would look like , what colours I would use as accents, what products and techniques I would use. Eventually I took the measurable steps to deliver what is now Be Still, my ‘power.’

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Sales, Socials and Sponsors

My most profitable months have been during months where I have advertised seasonal sales and discounts. Implementing small percentages off original prices (which 10/20%) is enticing for new customers. Everyone loves a good bargain (or what they think it’s one ;) )

Social media is Key. You have probably heard this before, but it is not a myth! Social media posting is an excellent way to get your business out to new clients. I am not a big fan of social media and because of this was willing to pay someone to manage it for me. However, as a new business, disposable income is still quite limited so I had to find away to content create and manage it myself. But make it easy for yourself:
– create business accounts on all the main platforms ( I use instagram and TikTok)
– create a list of posts you’ll like to create.
– create a posting schedule ( i.e Sundays – graphics post, Wednesdays – client pictures, Fridays – client reviews)
-Interact – follow pages, comment and like

Sponsor- If you can afford to, pay for sponsored posts on instagram and Facebook to help increase the number of people reaching your page. Alternatively, join a booking system ( I use BOOKSY), list your location and allow them to help you with reaching new clients.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cdl.booksy.com/9voW18Gadzb
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/bestilluk?igshid=MmJiY2I4NDBkZg==
• Other: TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZGJxmpRgh/