Mistakes I Made So You Don’t Have To (And What I’d Do Differently)
What Failure Taught Me About Building a Beauty Career That Lasts
If you’ve been following me for a while, you already know I’m not shy about talking failures. I’ve shared this before on other podcasts, and I’ll keep sharing it—because failure isn’t shameful. It’s part of the process. And honestly? Some of my biggest “mistakes” have been my greatest teachers.
Here are some of the failures and lessons that shaped my journey in the beauty industry.
1. Going Solo Too Soon
One of my biggest early missteps was opening my own studio right out of the gate. I didn’t have the foundation I needed, and it led me straight into debt. If I could do it over, I would have worked under someone first, learned the ropes, and built my confidence from there. I’m grateful for where that path eventually led me, but the detour was costly.
2. Letting My License Lapse
I took a break from the industry for personal reasons, and during that time, I let my license lapse. Looking back, I knew deep down this was my endgame—so walking away, even temporarily, felt like a failure. But sometimes, taking time off is necessary to come back with clarity. And I did.
3. Leading with Ego
Early on, my ego had a grip on me. I thought I was ready for things I wasn’t, and I didn't ask for help when I should have. I’m not saying I thought I was better than anyone—but I definitely thought I was above certain steps. Humility came later, and it’s been one of my greatest tools for growth.
4. Not Getting Financial Help
Money management? Oof. This is a big one. I wasn’t tracking things properly, I didn’t know where my money was going, and I didn’t ask for help early enough. I thought I had to figure it out alone, but I’ve since learned the value of reaching out to pros—bookkeepers, financial coaches, even just asking friends who get it. You don’t have to do it all.
5. Reinvesting… In the Wrong Things
I reinvested in my business—but mostly in the fun stuff. Products, supplies, trainings. What I should’ve done was invest in the unsexy stuff: website help, financial guidance, systems. Once I had more income, I wish I would’ve delegated sooner instead of trying to do it all myself.
6. Waiting Too Long to Educate
I used to think I needed more experience before I could teach. But I had so much to offer even back then. If I had started sooner, I would’ve grown faster and helped more people earlier on. Lesson learned: you don’t have to be “perfect” to start sharing what you know.
7. Closing My Books—Big Mistake
This one still haunts me a bit. I was so booked I couldn’t keep up with demand, so I closed my books to new clients. Sounds like a flex, but it was the wrong move. What I should have done was raise my prices and remove facials from my menu to make space for what I loved most. Instead, I lost momentum and long-term growth. Clients still reach out today asking if I’m taking new appointments.
The Bigger Picture
It’s easy to look back and say, “I should’ve done this differently.” But the truth is, I might not have known what I needed until I learned it the hard way. Every misstep built a version of me that’s more grounded, more self-aware, and way more resilient.
Failures aren’t setbacks—they’re signals. Listen to them. Learn from them. And most importantly, keep going.