Success Story: Beauty Obsession
9 Nov 2023
Danielle is an incredible lash artist who now runs her own independent salon in Warwickshire alongside her team of independents. She previously used Fresha but moved over to Solo after finding she was losing too much of her earnings to commission.
When did you first start your independent business?
I first started out self employed back in June 2017, previous to that I was working employed in a beauty salon in Leamington Spa where I learnt everything beauty alongside training at Warwickshire college studying my NVQ level 2 & 3. Taking the leap and setting up on my own was genuinely the best thing I have ever done! I never expected when I set up my little mobile business alongside renting a room from a salon two days a week that I would be where I am now. It has just gone from strength to strength.
My dream came true In October 2021 when I opened my own salon in Warwick, where I now have a fab team of girls working alongside me running their own businesses in brows, make up and nails, so alongside myself offering lashes is just the perfect one stop shop! During lockdown I gained my qualification in teaching, so I started offering lash training courses and I have to say this is one of my biggest achievements to date! It is so rewarding seeing your students go from strength to strength growing there own clientele!
What booking software or solution were you using before Solo to manage your bookings and why wasn’t it working for you?
I was using Fresha before finding Solo. I found Fresha so unreasonable - if I was wanting to offer online booking services they would take such a big chunk out of my earnings and it just really wasn’t viable!
How has Solo helped your business?
I honestly cannot fault Solo! I’m so glad that I did my research and found this company, it has honestly changed my life!! That might sound extreme but going from having to finish work late in the evening, get home and having to reply to messages, to just having to press accept or decline on the Solo booking app has saved me so much time and I feel like I have my evenings back!!
How does Solo make you feel about your business?
I personally feel like Solo has made me a lot more organised, they are super supportive by constantly sharing my work and also showing love through social media with likes and comments!
What does Solo allow you to do that you couldn't do before?
My favourite thing about Solo has to be the accept and decline system! It helps me to control not taking on new clients and leaves the space free for my regular clients. With other booking systems once a client has booked, you don’t have the say to control your diary as much, that was the top selling point for me choosing Solo!
What would you say to other independent beauty professionals who are still using Fresha?
Solo booking system will change your life, don’t sit on the fence for years unhappy with the booking system you're using. Paying a fee of £20 and a small percentage from your deposits a month to have freedom is so worth it!! Just do it!!