Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in beauty and cosmetics but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Caitlin Picou, owner of Kismet, located in Covington, LA, USA.

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

Kismet is a clean beauty line with cosmetics that actually work and out-perform high-end brands. We also have a team of makeup artists who perform on-location makeup, spray tanning, and hairstyling for special events and weddings. They also help us educate and develop our product line. So you can feel confident in the products you are using.

Tell us about yourself

I started as a product development assistant for Bed Head Haircare. And I just fell IN LOVE with creating products. Every aspect intrigued me. I loved coming up with a product idea in my head, then coming up with a name, writing copy, picking scents, everything was just so much fun. But I came back to my hometown after my father passed away, and there wasn't a beauty company in our small town. So I decided to create my own beauty line. Nine years and over 100 SKUs later, here we are!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment was becoming a brand in the subscription box, IPSY. They ordered over 500K units of our best-selling primer, and I secured financing and everything to make that happen. It was a difficult task, but I learned a lot from it all.

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

The hardest thing for me is managing employees. It is not my strength. I am too understanding and tend to get taken advantage of. But I am working on doing better and learning as I hire new people what to watch out for.

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

  1. Make sure you are starting a business for the right reason, whatever reason that may be. But make sure to know your goals beforehand. They might change, but that will help keep you moving forward.
  2. Have thick skin. Your brand will not be for everyone, and that is ok. Don't let a few negative comments deter you from achieving.
  3. Do your research. Real-life experience is always best but always do your research for your industry.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

You will feel like you want to give up a million times, but stay strong. That is what makes you different.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.kismetcosmetics.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KismetCosmetics/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kismetcosmetics/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kismetcosmetics
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kismet-cosmetics/

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.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.