Photo Credit: Showcase Media
Name: Lysandra Joy Leary
Location: San Diego, California
Business Name: House of Vine
Established:2016
Website + Facebook + Instagram + Pinterest + Twitter
WHAT IS YOUR BUSINESS?
I'm Lysandra Joy and I'm in the business of beauty. Guiding women, most specifically women of color in upleveling their beauty and skincare game. I provide organic facials, professional makeup, lash extensions, brow shaping and Brazilian waxing at my skin and beauty bungalow in the eclectic neighborhood of Golden Hill. Beauty is boss and boss chics own it.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START YOUR OWN BUSINESS?
The love for dabbling in skincare products and how good skin makes me feel good. I want to be a part of that for others.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR INDUSTRY OR NICHE?
I can mix my passions with my desire for a freedom-led life. To work hard being my own boss yet providing something of value that allows me to be a bit artistic.
DO YOU DO THIS FULL TIME? IF YES, WHAT DID YOU DO BEFORE THIS? IF NO, WHAT ELSE DO YOU DO?
I am also an Esthetics Educator at Bellus Academy, a cosmetology school that has an Esthetics Program. I do that five nights a week and work my business House of Vine during the day and weekends.
Before going into skincare I worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs and was in the U.S. Navy prior to that. I definitely did a 360-degree switch but it was always in me.
DID YOU GO TO COLLEGE? IF SO, WHAT DID YOU STUDY?
I did go to college. I have a Bachelors and Masters in Business Management.
HAVE YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO BE AN ENTREPRENEUR? WHY OR WHY NOT?
I've always wanted to be successful and be challenged but not to a point of burn out. Being an entrepreneur it is possible to burn out but if you maintain a balance of fun and self-care going for your passions is always enjoyable. I've also always wanted to enjoy life and be expansive. I'm doing more of that now.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BIGGEST LESSONS YOU’VE LEARNED SINCE STARTING YOUR BUSINESS?
It takes more money, time and stamina than you plan for it too.
WHAT HAS SURPRISED YOU THE MOST ABOUT ENTREPRENEURSHIP?
The time it takes to get where you want and even once that happens I will always be a little scared because as a business there is no one to depend on but you.
WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’D GIVE TO ASPIRING ENTREPRENEURS?
See a vision that keeps you going every day. It is so tough and scary doing this as a single black woman, yet knowing what the outcome can be and finding joy in the journey while striving is the only way I keep from going back to the comfort of my old career.
HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH SETBACKS AND IMPOSTER SYNDROME?
If it is your vision, you are not an imposter. Embody it and show up despite the imperfections, lack of clients, lack of attendees, etc. Keep showing up and it will change and improve as everything in life does.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE THE MOST ABOUT BEING A CREATIVE ENTREPRENEUR AND DOING WHAT YOU DO?
I love that people value what I do and that in my own thing I truly attract people of the same frequency and vibe and it is all inflow compared to working for a business that is doing the same services but attract any and all kinds of people.
IF YOU WEREN’T A CREATIVE ENTREPRENEUR, WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING?
Probably be back in the government. Although I left, the mission of the VA is dear to my heart despite the bureaucracy of it all.
WHAT DOES SUCCESS MEAN TO YOU?
Making a successful living doing what I love to do on a regular basis.
Photo Credit: Showcase Media
WHAT IS YOUR WHY?
It is more for the idea of freedom to live life on my terms. I may work harder for less money (for now) but it is my life and my business and that fact that I created something of my own fruition and to see it blossom is pretty cool.
IMAGINE IT’S A YEAR FROM NOW AND YOU’RE CELEBRATING WHAT A GREAT YEAR IT WAS FOR YOUR BUSINESS. WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE ACHIEVED?
Doubled my clientele from January 2018 to January 2019, completed my Ebook geared toward caring for skin of color and doing more travel work each month for in-home, hotel and office accounts.
WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL/WHO DO YOU LOOK TO FOR INSPIRATION AND WHY?
I really resonate with watching the happenings of the Hayley Roy of @TherapeuticSkinCoach. Our vibes are a bit different but we are in the same industry and she also started her business in her apartment and continues to do so out of her home and is extremely successful in Los Angeles. So I know it's a real thing and I don't feel like such an oddball when people wrinkle their noses when I say I have a home-based skin and beauty studio in my bungalow. Come get a facial by me and then decide!
WHO HAVE BEEN THREE OF THE BIGGEST SUPPORTERS ON YOUR BUSINESS JOURNEY?
My friend Adilah, my friend Russell and probably my cousin Shannon. They all provide ideas, push me and support my crazy ideas, vision, and dream of growing a business.
WHEN YOU’RE NOT WORKING, WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO?
I love walking outdoors, yoga, trying out restaurants, shopping of course, treating myself to a blow out at The Dry Bar or weekend trips to LA or Palm Springs and spending time with friends and family.
WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF AS AN INTROVERT OR AN EXTROVERT? HOW DO YOU THINK THAT IMPACTS YOUR BUSINESS?
No, I am a social introvert. So it makes sense that I chose something I can do solo and privately yet I really enjoy getting out and socializing. I just need my downtime to recover and be my best self and radiate positive vibes toward my clients.
WHEN DO YOU FEEL THE MOST PRODUCTIVE? ARE YOU AN EARLY BIRD OR A NIGHT OWL?
At night, less time so I hit all my to do's on the list.
DO YOU HAVE TIPS FOR STAYING PRODUCTIVE WHILE WORKING FROM HOME?
No. lol
Make a task list the night before and look at it in the morning before getting side-tracked. Sometimes it works sometimes it's a struggle. Be determined and focused.
A FEW OF YOUR FAVORITE THINGS
WHAT IS A BUSINESS TOOL YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT?
I'm loving Quickbooks online, POS, and the app to get all my business finances straight!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OR AFFIRMATION?
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” -Eleanor Roosevelt
Do you have a favorite podcast?
A constant that I go back to is Dr. Laura Call of the Day. She is just so no BS, no rambling, just tell her the issue, she gets straight to the point, blunt and black and white about the situations she hears about.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BUSINESS OR PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT BOOK?
You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero. I like to recall certain things she says in the book when I'm feeling down on myself.
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