Female Founders | Lana Tarek: Lana Tarek Brow Salon and Academy

Balancing work, family life and self-care can be a difficult feat to achieve for most but something that Lana Tarek, founder of Lana Tarek Brow Salon and Academy, has perfected over the years. She maintains that finding the time to fill her own cup while blocking time specific for her children should not be seen as factors that will impede productivity.

Lana Tarek Eyebrow Specialists is a collection of sophisticated eyebrow artists with their own signature styles, headed up by eyebrow expert Lana Tarek, who provide second-to-none customer service when it comes to eyebrow treatments. She also runs an Academy for aspiring brow artists to learn how to master the art and a shop where a range of professional eyebrow products and tools can be purchased.

We had a chat with Lana and were enlightened on what she had to share about balance and productivity.

How did you come to start your business? Was there a particular spark or a significant turning point?

In 2014, I took a huge leap of faith and turned a small hobby into a business, opening my first studio. Since then, I have added my own signature touch to the world of brows, educating many aspiring brow artists who graduate from my Browcademy and launching a range of professional products and tools.

When you initially started your business, what hurdles did you face?

I’ve had to overcome many challenges throughout my journey. Building my brand during two pregnancies, expanding my business in a time of very high demand and going through a divorce at the same time wasn’t a walk in the park, but I’m grateful for it all because I’ve learned invaluable lessons along the way.

One of the biggest learnings that came to me early in my career was that in order to grow, you simply can’t be a one-man army.

Initially, when I started my business, I was doing everything from social media to bookkeeping. I was spread really thin and being pulled in what felt like a million different directions. I quickly started running out of personal time which was a line that I soon realized I never wanted to cross again.

Who or what was integral to you overcoming these hurdles?

Once I started delegating and outsourcing other tasks, it became a whole lot easier to focus on my main role in the business, and the part I’m most passionate about: creating masterpieces on every single one of my clients. I love leaving my clients with my signature touch, brows that complement their unique facial structure and, most importantly, feeling amazing by teaching aspiring artists how to do the same.

What makes your business unique?

The most unique thing about Lana Tarek Eyebrow Specialists is that we are a multi-faceted service, catering not only to clients who have treatments done at our salon but also students who learn to master the art at our Academy. Our shop also stocks a range of both retail and professional products- so there’s really something for everyone!

What is a piece of advice you wish you had been told before starting your entrepreneurial journey?

I wish I had been told that success is a journey, not a destination. A lot of people seem to think that one day they’ll “make it”, when the truth is, there are a lot of ups and downs that come with running a business, and that’s all part of the journey.

Where you see yourself and your business in 10 years?

 I would love to take both sides of the business global. I see myself continuing to provide services to clients across the globe, as well as having students from all around the world learn at our Academy.

What is your favourite aspect of being an entrepreneur?

 My favourite thing about being an entrepreneur is the drive and thrill of constantly developing new ideas and executing them in my business. I love being creative, it’s what I enjoy most, so being an entrepreneur allows me to brainstorm all the time, and then learn what works through trial and error.

What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?

1. Creativity

2. Resilience

3. Time Management

What has been the biggest mistake you’ve made in business?

Underestimating my growth. I generally like to be conservative when forecasting, however it often meant that I’ve had to do things twice because I’ve underestimated.

What do you believe was the best decision you made in business?

Expanding into education. Teaching is so rewarding and has led to a boom in the Australian brow industry.

How do you personally measure success?

Balance. If my life is balanced between work, family, and health, then I see that as success.

Outsource the skill or learn the skill?

I prefer to outsource. I have a VA who performs all the tasks or skills that I just can’t do- simply because I’m too busy with other aspects of the business. I believe that if you want to be a leader, you cannot ride solo, you must feel comfortable with outsourcing and delegating.

How do you generate new ideas?

I really enjoy brainstorming with my team, listening to podcasts and researching online. I can get inspiration from anywhere!

Who are the people around you that allow you to thrive and give support?

My team, my family and my friends.

How long do you stick with an idea before giving up?

Quite a long time. I’m a very patient person, so I will ponder and think about an idea for at least 6 months before I execute it. Sometimes, I see this as a weakness of mine, but it can definitely be considered a strength too!

What keeps you going in difficult times?

Definitely my two children. I want to be the best role model for my kids, and I will do anything to show them that hard work never goes unnoticed.

What keeps you up at night?

I feel like I’ve constantly got ideas popping up in my head! And coffee- if I’ve had one!

How do you handle doubt?

Self-affirmations and meditation help in giving me confidence and self-trust.

How do you make the most of your day? Any tips?

For me, waking up early is essential. I detox with celery juice in the morning and having that moment to relax before the day gets started really tunes my body and sets the mood for the rest of my day.

Do you have a business app you can’t live without?

I love Kitoomba for my salon and Trello for organization and planning!

Do you have any tips for work life balance?

Find your balance! I spend one third of my day dedicated to work, one third to sleep and the other third to my family and leisure. On the weekends, it’s all about my kids. This gives me peace of mind and allows me to be efficient and well rested for work. It also makes me feel content that I’ve spent enough time with my kids- they are growing up so quickly!

Excluding yours, what company or business do you admire the most?

 I really admire Apple. Everything from their culture to their personable service is appealing to me.