Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in skincare but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Miriam Cumsille, Founder of Aura Eternal LLC., located in Miami, FL, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

My small business is a sought-after skincare brand that caters to the discerning needs of GenX Women, with a loyal customer base, now including their daughters, who are also avid supporters.

Tell us about yourself

I'm a skincare specialist who's always had this knack for creating custom formulations. You know, the kind that's all about using natural stuff and keeping the chemicals at bay. And guess what? My clients absolutely loved the results! They kept coming back for more, and that really put a big ol' smile on my face.

But then, the dreaded COVID-19 came along and changed everything. No more salon visits or spa sessions for my lovely customers. So, I put my thinking cap on and decided to dive headfirst into developing awesome skincare products and launching my very own online store. Gotta adapt, right?

Let me tell you; it's been quite the journey! Learning the ins and outs of running a business has been a rollercoaster ride, but I love every twist and turn along the way. And you know what? Making these clean beauty products is actually a lot like creating art. From designing eye-catching labels to packaging that screams "Pick me up!" and snapping some Instagram-worthy product shots, it's been a blast.

But you wanna know what truly makes my heart happy? Watching my clients transform their skincare habits and witnessing their skin thrive. It's like witnessing magic happen! I couldn't be more grateful for the opportunity to do what I love and bring a little extra glow to people's lives.

Oh, and let's not forget, if sleep wasn't a thing, I'd be hustling 24/7 to make sure everyone gets their dose of skincare goodness. Because when it comes to taking care of your skin, there's no rest for the wicked!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My most significant accomplishment as a business owner has been successfully starting and developing a small business, despite my initial lack of knowledge in running one. What brings me the greatest joy is not just the financial success but the fulfillment I find in creating products that make my customers happy. It's something I've been passionate about for a long time, but I never imagined I would have the opportunity to turn it into a business. This journey has taught me that with determination, a love for what you do, and a willingness to learn and grow, anything is possible.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

Being a business owner comes with its fair share of challenges, and one of the trickiest ones is mastering the art of work-life balance. It's like trying to juggle flaming torches while riding a unicycle – it requires some great skill! Unlike a regular 9-to-5 job where you can clock out and leave work behind, as a business owner, your responsibilities can follow you everywhere, even in your dreams (literally!).

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Find Your Passion: They say, "Do what you love, and you'll never work a day in your life." Well, that's mostly true, except there will still be days when you'll want to throw your laptop out the window. So, make sure you choose a business that makes your heart sing, and your inner entrepreneur do the happy dance. Because when the going gets tough (and trust me, it will), your love for what you do will be the fuel that keeps you going. Just remember to keep a spare laptop handy, just in case.
  2. Embrace the art of "Winging It": Let's face it, no matter how much you plan and prepare, unexpected curveballs will come flying at you like those elusive pigeons in the park. So, get comfortable with the art of "winging it." Think of yourself as a superhero with the superpower of adapting on the fly. You'll become a master of MacGyvering solutions out of thin air and turning "Oh no!" moments into "Oh wow, I can't believe I just pulled that off!" moments.
  3. Surround Yourself with Cheerleaders (and Coffee): Starting a business is like embarking on a roller coaster ride with no seatbelt. It's thrilling, terrifying, and sometimes makes you question your sanity. That's why it's crucial to surround yourself with support. Find your tribe of fellow entrepreneurs who will lift you up, cheer you on, and remind you that you're not crazy for pursuing this crazy dream. Oh, and don't forget to stock up on coffee. Lots and lots of coffee. It's the elixir of the entrepreneurial gods that will keep you caffeinated and mildly sane throughout the journey.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://auraeternal.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuraEternal/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/auraeternal/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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