Back in 2005, I was re-discovering henna in Montreal through a henna body art workshop with a well known professional henna artist. It was a really great class, and I took what I liked and turned it into my own. I tend to do that with all things. I take what I like from each and turn it into my own.
Throughout my journey and like life, I was learning hard lessons from different experiences. They all made me into who I am today, and I continue to evolve and discover things about myself.
Back in 2005, I had four children: Isa, Ali, Mariyah and Abdullah. All were 6 and under. Those were really tough years with having so many young children, and we weren’t even done yet. Adeeb and Matinah came in the next 2 years, during our early business years 🙂
That September I decided to start Henna Sooq. My decision came through a love for henna, and to bring a shop to Canada. There weren’t many henna companies in Canada, so the market was wide open.
I bought my .com (one of several I ended up purchasing), and I now owned my own piece of property. Finding a web designer was really difficult but another henna artist Amira helped us set our first website up. Then I met Jen and she completely transformed our website and to do this day, she has been one of the most amazing women I’ve had the pleasure of working with!
Then we made our first sale! I never forget Catherine M., who still orders with us to this day. Love you girl! (She literally made an order with us as I write this, in the last 2 weeks).
This where the journey began. Here are some things I’ve learned along the way:
- 5+ Years. If you plan to keep your business going for more then 5 years, start all your book keeping from the get go. Don’t let this slip.
- Kids. Yes you can do it. We’re living proof that with 6 young children won’t stop you from being success.
- Entrepreneur. It runs deep in your blood with or without a degree. It’s in there. Discover all of your potential.
- Communication. That’s what your clients will need. Don’t let miscommunications create a bad experience for you and your client. Talk to your clients with a smile. They can hear the smile in your voice.
- Web site designer/developer. Find a reliable person or company to work with. They will help you bring your business to the next level.
- You will grow. You will continue to grow, and develop. Remember why you started, and keep that passion fueled.
- Hard lessons. There will be a lot of hard lessons along the way. Keep on going strong. Every hard lesson is put your path so you can become a better, stronger person. Don’t give up.
- Don’t give up! Didn’t I just say that?! Every successful business owner has felt like quitting. You have to fail to succeed.
- Love what you do. If you stop loving what you do, re-evaluate that. Again, go back to why you started.
Do you have any business experiences you’d love to share?
