Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in beauty and cosmetics but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Barbie Arrunategui, CEO of Cinderella Bridez, located in New Jersey, NY, USA.

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

We are a luxury beauty concierge, and we provide beauty services for brides and their family members. We are a unified team of professionals educated and trained in cosmetology persistently pursuing further education to maintain evolving trends in Makeup & Hair artistry. We are experienced in all areas of fashion, editorial, photography & film productions.

Tell us about yourself

When I was getting married almost 19 years ago, I had a very hard time finding a bridal makeup and hair agency for my big day. Being occupied with graduate school and selling my own skincare line, I already had too much on my plate, but I ended up doing the makeup myself. As soon as my friends got a hold of what I was doing and noticed my hard work, they encouraged me to take a few courses and help them do their makeup too. This was how Cinderella Bridez was formed, and it has grown ever since. It has been my art, my passion, and my own relaxing space. I love making someone feel confident and very beautiful on their day; it's therapeutic! It makes me feel good to relieve a bride's stress on their wedding day. The feeling of making a person be their best version keeps me going.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

One of my biggest accomplishments is being able to create a business that extends to everyone and not just me, being able to train, educate and employ over 100 talented artists, and helping them and the company grow together. Paying forward my skills, my business knowledge, and helping and supporting others in this industry makes me feel accomplished every day. Lastly, my proudest and biggest accomplishment is filming with Bravo for a celebrity shoot (Family Karma's Richa Sadana). Being featured on their site made all of us proud: (https://www.bravotv.com/family-karma/style-living/richa-sadana-marries-vishal-parvani-bridal-fashion?amp)

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

The hardest thing that comes with being a business owner is managing people. Being a part of a people-oriented business, a lot of times managing people, being accountable, increasing their skill set, tracking their progress can sometimes get exhausting while keeping up with clients. Even though dealing with people is both one of the best and the hardest things, it helps me become better, both personally and professionally, and the feedback helps us grow.

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

  1. Number one, begin with the end in mind. Envision the business that you want to create and take the steps that you need to do to build the business you want. If you want to grow your big company, start by envisioning bigger goals and visions. Invest in everything that helps your business grow. Invest in your own education.
  2. Second, become well versed with social media. Social media is becoming one of the biggest platforms to reach your desired target audience. It helps to reach customers worldwide that would want your product, service, or your brand; that could be you!. Take the time to educate yourself on upcoming trends, and you will do well.
  3. Third, Invest in your business before it starts paying you. Even though the lawyers, designers, developers cost you money, it is an investment that is going to give you expected returns. Do not be afraid to invest in your business, even if you are not making money right away.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

The last thing that I would like to say is, if you dream it, you can do it. If you have the vision in your mind, you have been thinking about taking a leap of faith, trying something new, don't let fear stand in the way. Fear is just false evidence appearing real, and if you let it paralyze you, you will never move on, never achieve things. You don't want to live life with a question mark. This keeps me going, and I hope it motivates everyone. Thank you.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.cinderellabridez.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cinderellabridez/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cinderellabridez/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cinderelabridez
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cinderellabridez/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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