5 Questions with Vanessa Hunter

As a professional makeup-artist with dreams of owning my own company, I decided to interview a local business owner in my city to find out what it takes to run a successful business in the beauty industry. I had the privilege of sitting down with owner and founder of The Nest Salon, Vanessa Hunter. Here are the top 5 questions that came from our time together.

Question #1) Why did you decide to create something of your own as opposed to working for another great company that was already established?

“I always knew I wanted to be a business owner, I have always been a visionary and entrepreneur. I have many passions but I always included something that I created, that was my own. During my time spent working for others, I learned really quickly that I wanted something I created, a culture of my own. You are either working for someone else’s dream or making your own.”

Question #2) Do you haveany education or certifications that are essential to running your business?

“If I had gone to business school and that was the only thing I did, I don’t think I would be very successful. All the most valuable things you learn, happen on the job. Working in the industry every day gives you education and generally makes you more well rounded. I am also licensed in the state of Oregon, I have a hair design license, many education certificates that meet the standards of the industry & makeup application.”

Question #3) In your opinion, does a successful business depend more on the logistic end of business or the passion of the people and the services that are delivered to clients?

“It’s the grit, the passion, and decisions made. I didn’t have conventional business training, but I had passion. You can’t learn passion. You don’t have to motivate a passionate person. Passion doesn’t need motivation.”

Question #4) What is the most rewarding part about being in business for yourself?

“For me, it is creating a culture that other people want to be a part of. Artists are visionaries. We are dreamers. When you focus on something, you conquer it, then there will be something else to dream about. When you’re on a dream journey, you’re learning the whole way and developing and being equipped for whatever is ahead of you. You don’t always have to have it figured out. My dream, passion, and culture exist becase of the community around me. I just bring one color, everyone else brings their own colors and notes.”

Question #5) What would be the best piece of advice to give to a young entrepreneur wanting to create their own business?

“Don’t feed the fear!! No risk no reward. Go for it. Stay true to yourself and your vision and your dream. Honestly, put God first, have your priorities straight.”

So there you have it, 5 amazing pieces of insight from a successful business owner to help you on your journey to creating something of your own!