Email to a FriendTo celebrate International Women's Day 2022 we are shining a light on our fabulous members and their stories.
Each and every single one of them has an inspiring story about starting their own business. So read on to find out more.
Andrea Mappouridis , owner of Revitalaser
What first drew you to starting your business?
I had facial hair which I wanted to remove and was looking around for a laser hair removal treatment which was results-driven and had no adverse reactions.
I had visited various establishments offering this service but had several bad experiences with burning and even scabs forming on my face.
I knew there must have been many people in my position, and that made me realise that there was a big in the market here, as other people would be seeking the same kind of solutions. I then made it my mission to find the best laser hair removal treatment on the market. It took over two years to carry out in-depth research into every kind of hair removal machine in use all around the UK.
Through my research, I identified the highest quality treatments using state of the art equipment as used by top medical teams in Harley Street as well as BUPA and Harrods and decided to invest in the best for my own business. This was definitely not the the cheapest option, but I have absolutely no regrets in not settling for second best.
What is the best thing about being your own boss?
I can map out my own destiny and set my own goals. I can devise my own business strategy and enjoy holidays and time with my family when I want.
I am able to create a successful balance of work and leisure as I am the one who sets the agenda.
What's your advice to other women going into business?
I would advise that taking on your own business is not a nine-to-five job. It is definitely more a way of life and you have to be prepared to put in the effort to achieve the best results. Like most things in life, you get back what you put in and this is very true of running your own business. One of the most important pieces of advice is to ensure your administrative systems including IT, run like clockwork, which will keep your stress levels right down!
To keep your stress levels down, it also helps to be organised and plan ahead. A good tip is to write a list of jobs to do before you go to bed, so you have a clear course of action in the morning. You will wake up well-rested and ready for the day, because you haven’t woken up in the middle of the night thinking of urgent tasks!
Passion is important. Your own enthusiasm and energy will be infectious (in the best possible way!) and attract your clients. Business owners who radiate happiness and positivity produce happy clients.
What is your top tip for success?
You should treat every client as an individual with their own needs, and ensure your personal service is customised to them. A useful tool would be to create an ‘All about me’ profile of each client, which has details of their background/career, lifestyle, likes and dislikes. This could be part of the consultative process when you have your initial meeting with a client.
You should also ensure your staff is trained in this work ethic.
PS don’t forget to give yourself a pat on the back for your achievements!
Tell us something about yourself we might not expect?
I am in the process of writing the story of my life and hope to have this book published soon. This is one of my ultimate goals.