SBS Greek: When did you start your business and what were the reasons you wanted to have your own go?
Psychari: "I started my business in 2005, this was as a sole trader renting space from an exclusive and well-respected hair salon which shared the same values as I did in relation to customer care, precision and brilliant services.
Starting 'Beautyologist' evolved from the enormous response I received to my treatments. The results I was receiving were impacting clients and therefore my clientele base outgrew my space. I needed new premises to be able to continue my love for treating skin. I had a very clear vision which was skincare and treatments. Working for many high-end spas and salons, I already had ideas about what I would create. My motivation was to have space with a collaboration of everything that encompasses my true values. Suffering also from Acne and being able to get results with skincare and treatments, I wanted to reach out and assist clients. My results for this skin type have been extraordinary and it really changes people's lives.
I had a very clear vision which was skincare and treatments. Working for many high-end spas and salons, I already had ideas about what I would create. My motivation was to have space with a collaboration of everything that encompasses my true values. Suffering also from acne and being able to get results with skincare and treatments, I wanted to reach out and assist clients. My results for this skin type have been extraordinary and it really changes people's lives."
SBS Greek: What kind of troubles did you face when you started your business?
Psychari: "Firstly, I need large marketing budgets which I didn't have. Also, changing my mindset from a Therapist to a Business owner to an Entrepreneur was a completely different process. Creating an exceptional team with the same values and belief in your vision. Understanding you cannot control and do everything alone was a huge lesson for me. Being a perfectionist I had to learn to let go and trust. Also, time management so as to get everything done and save time for my personal life.
Furthermore, creating an exceptional team with the same values and belief in your vision. Understanding you cannot control and do everything alone was a huge lesson for me. Being a perfectionist I had to learn to let go and trust. Time management was a big issue and to keep the balance in my personal life."
SBS Greek: What would you avoid if you were planning to start a business today according to your experience so far?
Psychari: "Not much really, it’s really everything I experienced that actually lead me to where I am today. My mistakes were basic and luckily not too expensive of a lesson to learn, as I was very careful. I was scared and underestimated the response I would receive to the size of my premises. Perhaps a larger premise to start with as we have already outgrown our space and were lucky to be able to take the building next door. We had to wait for it to be available."
SBS Greek: Your future plans?
Psychari: "2016 was quite significant and certainly took me from a business owner to an entrepreneur developing our own product lines. For 2017 we are planning our own body range of products, our own candles and our own skincare range."
SBS Greek: What is the secret for a successful business, according to you of course?
Psychari: "Having the right team around you as far as staff believing in the same vision and sharing the same values as you. My favourite quote is to make sure everybody in your boat is rowing and not drilling holes when you're not looking. Knowing your circle and having the right professional support around you are keys to success. A business needs a good lawyer, a credible accountant and a strong financial team to get the right advice. The right business coach needs to understand your business purpose and how he can help you to fulfil your vision.
The last 10 years have been a blast and I am a true testament to people with a vision. It's ok to have the fear I was scared every day when I started. I still get scared but use fear in a positive way, let it keep you on your toes, checking your work and dotting your I’s. The only person from stopping yourself from having what you want is yourself. You are the only responsible person!"
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