We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Yoli Castillo a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Yoli, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Looking back, do you think you started your business at the right time? Do you wish you had started sooner or later
I chose this topic to discuss because I feel it really spoke volumes to me in my own head. People have always asked me or made the comment of “Don’t you wish you started this sooner” and my reply is always no. I say this because, you yourself know when the right time will be. When I was in cosmetology school I always gave myself realistic goals to do something. I always gave myself the 5 year plan. I knew what I had been planning in my own head for my future, but I knew I had to work for others to get there, I needed the mentorship and guidance, I needed to learn what worked for them and what did not. I was a late bloomer in the beauty industry. My backstory: I always wanted to be in this field, but life took me in a different direction. I was a teen mom, had my first son at 17 years old. Right out of high school I went into the medical field as a Senior Administrative Assistant and stayed in that role with many other employers, I moved my way up to an Executive Assistant and even Manager at one point. I loved my jobs at each place too, they all taught. me things I use today as a business owner. Fast forward 17+ years later, and having been laid off with my employer at the time of 10 years, I took that as my sign to finally do what I’ve always wanted to do. I enrolled in beauty school, and it’s been a dream come true ever since! I have worked in salons since the day I graduated and have learned good and bad things from some amazing owners. When the pandemic hit I knew it was now or never. So I took the leap of faith and started my business during a rough time for our country. It was the absolute best decision yet. So I say all that to say, you will be ready at your own pace. Do it when you feel ready and go get it!!
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
After working for a couple of salons, I was put into a position where I was able to see all aspects of how things are ran. I learned how to problem solve, how to deal with irate clients and even very happy clients – as crazy as that sounds, What sets me apart from others, I do my best to always keep the clients happy and wanting to always choose me as their service provider. My business wouldn’t be where it is today without each and every client – new and old.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
Social media is one of the backbones of a business! I have met a lot of clients from these platforms and it’s been a saving grace and still is. My goal for the rest of the year and going into the new year is to be more present on a daily basis. I notice when I am running ads or posting more I get more hits. Social Media is a free tool, use it to your disposal and all the great apps that iPhone has to offer.
How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?
I see some businesses where they only allow clients to reach out to an email or a business phone, and they will blast it over social media at times to only contact them there. I allow all of my clients to have my personal number and tell them to use it when they have any questions or concerns for any service I have offered them. I keep that line of communication open to them, because they have invested in my business in some way. They also respect my personal time, and never text me outside of business hours. So to me keeping that personal line of communication open to them keeps the loyalty at 100% and makes my job that easier when branding or making decision as a business owner.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @thatlashbae
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/thatlashbae
Image Credits
Photographer: Sarah Almaguer