Leis Deng was born in Sudan and moved to Australia at the age of 2, shortly after her mother passed away. She was raised by her aunty and resided in Toowoomba. At the age of 10 Leis lost her father in Sudan, making her older sister and her orphans.
After completing year 12 and whilst working part time, Leis decided that she wanted to become a business owner, and did so at the age of 18. Now 22 she has launched GLAMSTEAM the first 5 in 1 home beauty steamer on the market.
GLAMSTEAM is so versatile you can incorporate dried fruits, dried vegetables, dried flowers, essential oils and pure/distilled water to get many benefits out of the different uses. It’s a facial steamer, air diffuser, cuticle steamer, face towel steamer and a cold and flu remedy.
Here’s our chat with Leis.
What ignited the spark in you to start your business?
The light bulb idea occurred to be me when I was searching for a facial steamer for my skin care routine but also one that can double up as a diffuser as I wanted to use essential oils to assist with my insomnia and calm my nerves due to my anxiety.
Was there a significant turning point when you decided to become an entrepreneur?
Since I can remember, I’ve always dreamt of being a business owner even before I could fully understand what type of determination and hard work it takes! As soon as I was legal (18 years old) to be a director of my own company.
Being an orphan was the driving force for my entrepreneurship, I knew I couldn’t give up, I had to do it for myself and I had to do it for my parents. I turned my life journey in to a positive experience and used it to fuel my hunger for success because I had no safety blanket (parents).
Looking back is there a piece of advice you wish to pass onto someone starting out their entrepreneurial journey?
I would say! ASK, ASK, ASK! Ask those who know better, who are more successful, ask people who are in the field you’re looking into! Do not be afraid to ask because there are so much paid and free advice that has helped me.
Hire an accountant and a lawyer when needed (very important) and do not give up, keep trying and keep learning.
What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
Determination
Work ethic
Passion
Who do you look up to in business? Who inspires you?
I couldn’t say anybody in particular, my inspiration comes from WOMEN.
It could be a working mum, a woman who has been in business for 10 years or it could be a woman just starting out.
What was the best advice that you have been given?
It’s not about how hard you fall, it’s about if you get up or stay down.
What do you think your key to success has been?
I’ve always had the ability to find solutions in anything! I’m great problem solving, that always allows me to move forward and progress and I’m willing to make sacrifices.
How have you personally measured your success?
I measure my success by what I’ve been able to do for my family due to my businesses and the women who have come to me for advice and say they are inspired by me and have started business because of me!
Outsource the skill or learn the skill?
BOTH! Because you never know when a person might leave/get ill etc. The show must go on! I say learn the skill and outsource someone who can do it better.
How do you generate new ideas?
So funny! My partner just asked me that, I just let my mind wonder. One year I might have a great idea, the next year I may not. I certainly don’t go looking for it! The ideas come to my mind at any time on any day.
What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
The joy of creating these businesses and brands that you have so much say and have a such big hand in creating! It gets me so emotional sometimes because it’s such a great feeling!
Excluding yours, what company or business do you admire the most?
One of my favorite brands has to be HUDA BEAUTY!
Where you see yourself and your business in 10 years?
Hopefully in 10 years I’ll have about 5 well established companies, built an orphanage and doing seminars to give business tips and advice to young women all over the globe.
Who are the women around you that allow you to thrive?
