Millie Lachapell is the CEO of Le Luxe Beauty Studio & Nail Lounge, a one beauty shop for the modern woman, located in Downtown Brooklyn, New York. In addition to owning her business, Millie maintains her corporate job as the Director of Operations for an Executive Staffing firm in New York. Millie was born in the Dominican Republic; she came to the U.S. when she was just a baby. She is the first entrepreneur in her family.
What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?
Wanting more out of life. After my mom and dad divorced, I remember my mom worked 2 jobs to take care of my siblings and I. She struggled so much, I promised myself that would not be me. I’ve always had such strong ambition and big goals. I’ve been working for the same company for over a decade, running their whole operation and that is when it hit me. This is the time, I need to make the move, take the chance and become my own boss!
Tell us about your business.
Le Luxe Beauty Studio & Nail Lounge is a modern, chic with a touch of glam beauty studio, with a full service hair salon, nail salon, and spa. We also offer make up services. Is a one stop shop for both men and women.
Are you currently running any promos/contests/giveaways that you would like our readers to know about?
I am starting an extension to my Le Luxe brand. I will be selling my own line of luxurious 100% virgin human hair extensions. My hair line will be high quality at an affordable price.
Where is your business based?
Store front. Soon we will sell my hair extensions online.
What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?
Research and more research. I had to teach myself the in’s and out’s about the beauty industry. I read everything I could get my hands on. I also wrote out a business plan. I wanted to create a guide that would help me map out how I was going to run my business successfully.
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
Social media has been a big tool in helping me market my business and is free!
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
Finding the time. From working full time to running my business to managing my staff and taking care of my home, leaves little to no time for myself to get my own personal things done.
How did you overcome these challenges?
I create a schedule and a daily check list with everything prioritized according to importance. I also pray a lot, especially on the days that it becomes too much for me. Or when I feel like giving up, I take a moment and pray to God for strength to overcome all the hurdles and uncertainties.
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
Everywhere. From Instagram to public forums on Facebook.
How do you distinguish yourself from your competitors?
By relating more to my customers. It’s the best part. I understand the needs my customers and I try my best to provide that service.
What is the best advice you have received recently?
I tend to be a perfectionist and a control freak. A wise man once told me, “Nothing is ever going to be 100% perfect, it is what you make of it.”
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
Stay focused, do your research, create a plan, and stick with it. Don’t give up. And most importantly, keep God first!
What is your favorite business tool or resource?
Accounting & Legal is a budget and finance software. I swear by it! I also use Skype a lot, especially now that I’m getting into the hair business, I have to communicate with vendors overseas.
What is a good article or book you have read recently?
“How to Sell Hair Extension Online” by Tiffani Nicole.
What are you currently learning about for your business or looking for help with?
Building and growing relationships, this way I get to learn what other successful entrepreneurs did within my industry.
What are your goals for the next few months and how are you striving to achieve them?
WOW, lol, there is so much I want to do. But for now I would say work more on my brand and to successfully launch my virgin human hair line and start providing the women in my community with high quality hair at an affordable price!
What social media outlets do you use? List them below.
Instagram @imjust_milie
Twitter @leluxe_beautystudio
Facebook www.facebook.com/leluxebeautystudio
Website www.leluxebeautystudio.com
Email leluxebeautystudio@gmail.com
Hashtags #beautybyleluxe #brooklynbeautystudio #nycbeautysalon