Andrea had spent a decade in the beauty industry and even ran her own beauty salon. She’s now working on Face Cookie Daily which provides bite-size beauty tips by email. She discussed her journey on episode 1006 of Entrepreneur on Fire with host John Lee Dumas.

1. The end is simply a new beginning

The end of one thing is the start of something new

-Andrea Victory-LaCasse

Andrea achieved her dream of opening a beauty salon, but falling profits meant that it had to close. This was a crushing, heartbreaking experience. However, Andrea changed her perspective to realise that an end isn’t necessarily a bad thing. She had spent the last couple of years struggling to get the store to work, so its closure freed her energies.

She also realised that the end of one thing is the start of something new. It’s important not to get too caught up in an ending. Instead, focus on what new avenues are available.

By doing this, she realised that talking with customers and sharing tips was her favourite aspect of the store. Focusing on this eventually led to her current business.

As John notes, the “Zone of Creative Genius” is where passions and skills unite. Tapping into it can have powerful results. Andrea’s newsletter does this, as it combines her practical beautician skills with her love of helping people to look their best.

2. Talking to people

Talking to her audience has been a major source of inspiration for Andrea. It’s where she got the idea to start a blog of beauty tips and then to later evolve it into an email newsletter.

3. The power of clarity

Go simple, go slow and be very clear.

-Andrea Victory-LaCasse

Andrea is a keen advocate of strong, clear visions. She believes that every person can release their beauty, without having to spend too much on products. The journey of an entrepreneur has many directions, so staying true to this belief has guided her in the decision-making process.

If you can’t get clear about your vision, then it means you are over complicating it, so break it down and simplify it.

4. Say what you really think

Andrea has strong opinions about beauty. However, she sometimes goes against them to adhere to mainstream ideals and values.

This is a mistake as when she gives herself permission to be authentic and to say what she really believes, she has a greater impact on her audience as they share similar values.

As John notes, audiences are looking to resonate with a real person, who has flaws and opinions and is genuine and transparent. If you try to appeal to people who don’t share your beliefs, then you are going to attract customers who will never be interested in what you provide.

5. Have one passion, but draw on others for inspiration.

Although Andrea’s passion lies in beauty, she is a big fan of food media. She draws on this for inspiration, such as emulating the photography style and even using it as a basis for her company name.

6. You are a Master

The book Mastery, by Robert Green, has been a great inspiration to Andrea. It distills the traits of historical figures — such as Charles Darwin, Mozart, and Henry Ford. While reading the book, she realised that she shared many traits with the greats — She was already a master. This gave her the motive to start her business.