Elsa Fahraeus | Stratford, Ontario | Push Past Fear!!!

https://illumespa.ca

The passion and love I had for the beauty industry started at quite a young age. You could say I was one of the lucky ones. Taking it back to my high school career, working as a part time receptionist at a salon. Quickly finding out that hair was not in my dream but the aesthetic service was. Sitting in my careers class and writing about what we wanted to be. I wrote “owner of a spa”, which became true 12 years later. I took the dream and made it my reality. Launching into my full time position as an aesthetician, I knew this was it. The “happy place” feeling, knowing that my job wasn’t just a job, it’s my life. Making people feel renewed after each treatment. To have them focus on their mind and body is something I felt passionate about. Later bringing this full time position to manager and now owner of a therapeutic day spa, illume. Creating a spa and putting my vision to life was an incredible and terrifying experience all in one. Pushing past the fear and following my dream one step a time and watching it all fall into place. A green spa that focuses on clean beauty and therapeutic organic service. Creating an overall experience not just giving a service. Here I am at age 26 accomplishing my biggest goal and sharing my passion with all of the clients that walk through our doors.

What ignited the spark in you to start a new business venture or to make significant changes in an existing business? How did the idea for your business come about?

My dream of a therapeutic day spa became a goal from the personal passion and love for this industry. The ideas of the business came from experience and being Scandinavian. The look of natural, clean and green we’re words that came to mind when creating the new space.

What were the biggest initial hurdles to building your business and how did you overcome them?

The biggest hurdle was how to rebrand an established business and knowing if it was the right decision. Taking the risk and following your gut is a true statement. Creating a goal, pushing through the fear and crushing it.

What books are you currently reading? And your recommendation for entrepreneurs to read?

Gung ho is a book I am currently reading, which relates to how to manage your staff and it has been very helpful with this new business. Focusing on how to run my business as efficiently as possible is an important task for me.

Did you ever deal with contention from your family and friends concerning your entrepreneurial pursuits?

How did you handle it? What would you do differently in hindsight?

My parents allowed my sister and I to truly follow our dreams no matter what it took. Finding a career that you love brings you positive energy and success. I am grateful my parents believed in my own passion for the beauty industry.

What would you say was the single most influential factor in your business success?

Bringing a unique spa to Stratford. Creating a therapeutic experience that’s not just a service that focuses on your mind, body and clean beauty.

What do you know today that you wish you would have known when you first got started as an entrepreneur?

Being for grateful for own self and taking care of you during the process. Self-care is very important to keep yourself focused during the process.

What advice would you give to an upcoming entrepreneur locally and internationally?

Find a dream, make it your goal, push past the fear and crush it. Make it real and NOT settle if you don’t love it.