Business Profile: DM Microblading Omagh
Name: Donna McElhill
Business Name: DM Microblading Omagh
L: 26 Bridge St, Omagh
M: 07543558400
Can you describe your business?
We are a town centre salon specialising in microblading, the most natural form of semipermanent make-up treatment available. We operate an ‘appointment only’ policy where by we dedicate ourselves to one client at a time which ensures complete client confidentiality in a comfortable and relaxed environment. We also provide beauty services such as nail treatments, eyebrow waxing and tinting.
Why did you start your own business?
I have always been independent with a high quality standard I like to maintain, so working for someone else has never really appealed to me. Being my own boss lets me choose my own work hours around other life commitments. I have always envisioned myself having my own salon, but with so much competition I was not sure I wanted to add to the already numerous local beauty salons. When I discovered a new beauty treatment called microblading taking the beauty industry by storm, I researched, studied and perfected it. After noticing a gap in the local market, I opened my own salon two years ago to offer this amazing treatment to ladies (and gents) of Omagh and the surrounding areas.
What are the best things about running your own business?
Being able to choose my own work hours and getting to meet new people every day who have become less like clients and more like friends.
What are the main challenges facing the business?
I find the main challenge is building up trust with prospective clients. I was brave enough to take the leap of starting out from scratch having never worked in a salon previously, so having clients get to know me and have trust in my ability has been the most difficult part. In my opinion no matter how much you advertise, having a high quality reputation of client satisfaction with evidence of your previous work, will undoubtedly generate repeat business.
What advice would you give to someone starting a business?
From personal experience, my advice would be to begin working as an employee so that when you decide to start out on your own you will already have gained a client base who know and trust in your work. I would also advise to build up savings beforehand to cover as a back up for any quiet weeks you may have. Financial reward will pay off if you’re willing to work hard.
Can you describe your experience of running a business in three words or less?
Challenging, rewarding, achievable.
