Nicola Griffin

When did you first start your independent business?

It was around 12 years ago when I first discovered beauty. I was fully employed by the government at the time and wanted to make some extra money on the side, so I trained to do eyelashes and used to just do them in my spare time. I realised how much I was enjoying it so following the 10 years after that, whilst working with the government, I did courses on the side and learnt something new every year. When I got made redundant from my government job last year, I decided to take the plunge into doing full time beauty as a self-employed professional. I really love being my own boss.

What booking software were you using before Solo and why wasn’t it working for you?

I wasn’t using any software, I was just using a paper diary and WhatsApp. At the time, I actually thought that this method was working fine for me, but when I discovered Solo, I couldn’t believe how much easier it was and what I’d been missing out on.

How has Solo helped your business?

It saves me so much time, not having to message my clients back-and-forth constantly. Managing everything online is just so much better. Also being able to update everything so easily such as my treatment list or prices. Previously, I had leaflets printed and every time I had to change something, I’d have to re-print them.

I love being able to share my booking link with my clients and they even share with their friends. Since having my Solo booking link on social media, I've gained about 30 new customers in the last six months.

How does Solo make you feel about your business?

I feel almost inspired, I feel really positive about my business, like I've got something really genuine going on. When I was doing beauty part time, alongside my day job, it felt like a bit of a hobby, whereas now I feel like I'm a legitimate business owner.

What does Solo allow you to do that you couldn't do before?

It’s definitely allowed me to reach new customers, both through my booking website and also from getting new clients through the Solo Marketplace. It's definitely allowed me to spend less time doing admin too.

What would you say to other independent beauty professionals who are still using a paper diary?

Just make the change. It’s so easy, even just creating your booking page. I'd always thought about having a website but the thought of actually trying to create a website just terrified me. I thought it's gonna cost me loads of money, or I don't know how I'll update it and I was just a bit hesitant about it all. But creating my Solo website was so easy. Now when a client sends me a message, I just send them my booking link and say they can see my availability online. It is just so easy and so beneficial.