We recently connected with Virginia Louise and have shared our conversation below.

Virginia, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you in your professional career?

Once upon a time, I decided to jump into the deep end of entrepreneurship. Picture this: me, a loyal and diligent employee for my entire life, suddenly transformed into a business owner with all the grace of a newborn giraffe trying to walk for the first time.

I had little guidance, almost no plan, and zero understanding of what being a business owner really entailed. I thought, “Hey, how hard could it be?” Spoiler alert: It was hard.

Shifting from being a reliable employee to the boss of my own waxing studio was like trying to go from riding a tricycle to piloting a spaceship. Suddenly, I was responsible for everything, from running the business to providing the actual services. And somewhere along the way, I made the rookie, and common, mistake of tying my self-worth to the success of the business.

As you might have guessed, things didn’t go smoothly at first. The business tanked faster than a lead balloon, and my self-esteem right along with it. I was in a tailspin, not knowing how to separate my emotions from the cold, hard facts of running a business. I felt like I was floundering in a sea of self-doubt.

There came a critical moment when I found myself staring at my dwindling bank account, realizing that my funds were about to evaporate. I had no plan for boosting profitability or attracting new clients. I was at a crossroads: I could either wallow in self-pity and declare myself a failure or try to view the business as a puzzle to be solved, using logic and strategy instead of emotions.

I chose the latter. I decided to give it one more shot—a big one—and to approach the business with the analytical mind of a scientist. I vowed to detach my self-worth from its success and to analyze what was working and what wasn’t without labeling myself as a failure if things didn’t pan out.

This mental shift didn’t happen overnight. It took countless hours of reading books, listening to podcasts, soul-searching and reshaping habits. I had to learn how to view the business objectively and make data-driven decisions. And even today, I sometimes have to remind myself of this approach.

Here’s what I learned: If you want to steer your business toward success, you’ve got to detach your self-worth from its ups and downs. Think like a scientist. Analyze, adapt, and grow. Remember, your business is an entity, not a reflection of your value as a person.

So, if you ever find yourself on a similar journey, take a deep breath, grab your metaphorical lab coat, and embrace the scientific method. Your business—and your sanity—will thank you.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Before my current chapter as a mentor for budding beauty pros, I was a neuroscientist, a global traveler, a fitness instructor, an esthetician, and a waxing studio owner. If that sounds like a whirlwind, trust me, it was. But throughout all these roles, one thing has been a constant: my passion for teaching and training.

I spent 15 years working in hospitality, a field that provided the flexibility I needed to pursue my eclectic interests around the world. At every restaurant I worked at, I quickly rose to become the lead trainer,

When I became a fitness instructor, I reveled in teaching classes and instantly built a loyal following. Whether it was guiding someone through their first squat or helping them perfect their downward dog, I loved every moment of it.

Then came my venture into esthetics and eventually owning my own waxing studio. I took the plunge with almost no guidance, feeling like a lone explorer. It was a thrilling yet daunting experience, one where I frequently found myself feeling like a deer in headlights, unsure of how to make my business thrive.

Fast forward to today, and I see so many beauty professionals embarking on similar journeys, filled with the same naivety and lack of support I once had. It’s like watching someone try to find their way out of a maze blindfolded—and I want to change that.

My passion for teaching and helping others learn and grow has been the thread weaving through all these different chapters of my life. Now, as a mentor, I’m driven by the desire to provide guidance and support to estheticians starting their own businesses. I want to help them avoid those bewildering moments of doubt, wondering if they’ll ever be able to turn their dreams into reality.

I’m here to build a community where beauty pros can learn from each other, share insights, and grow together. So whether you’re just starting out or looking to elevate your business, remember: you’re not alone. Together, we can light the path to success.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

If there’s one thing I’ve always prided myself on, it’s my fierce determination to show the world that “I can do it on my own.” I love knowing that I am strong and independent, but sometimes, I take that identity to the extreme. There were times when I refused to ask for help, collaboration, or guidance.

It took a while, but the deeper I got into business ownership, the more I realized that my insistence on “doing everything on my own” was actually holding me back. In fact, it was hurting me and my business more than I initially realized.

There came a point when I knew I had to unlearn my reluctance to reach out. I needed to embrace vulnerability and ask for help. It was a new skill to learn, one that was both terrifying and liberating.

I discovered that building a community and seeking guidance isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a strength. By reaching out to others, I found that I could accomplish so much more than I ever could on my own. Sharing ideas, learning from others’ experiences, and receiving support have been crucial in my journey.

In the end, I’ve learned that collaboration isn’t just helpful; it’s essential. So here’s a little advice from someone who’s been there: Don’t let your pride get in the way. Reach out, ask for help, and embrace the community around you. You’ll find that your business—and your sense of self—will thrive in ways you never imagined

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

When it comes to thriving as a solo beauty business owner, training and knowledge are important, but there are two other factors that are even more crucial: a growth mindset and reliability. Reliability isn’t just about showing up for your clients and customers—although that’s essential—but more importantly, it’s about being reliable to yourself.

Transitioning from an employee to a solo business owner requires a level of self-accountability that many of us haven’t fully developed. As an employee, you have someone else telling you what needs to be done, when it needs to be done, and where you need to be. But as a business owner, that responsibility falls squarely on your shoulders. You have to set your own schedules, goals, habits, and routines—and then you have to be reliable enough to yourself to stick to them.

This is where a growth mindset comes in. To grow and scale a successful business, you need to be prepared to grow and scale as an individual. A growth mindset allows you to embrace challenges, learn from failures, and constantly strive to improve. It’s about being open to new ideas and approaches, and understanding that every experience is an opportunity for growth.

By combining reliability with a growth mindset, you set the foundation for success. You become someone who not only meets expectations but consistently exceeds them. So, take the time to develop these qualities within yourself. As you do, you’ll find that your business will flourish in ways you never thought possible.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.virginia.louise/
• Other: Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.virginia.louise?_t=8oHgPz0aO9H&_r=1
  Blog: https://virginia10.podia.com/blog