Faby and Tamy are two best friends that recently – in July 2020 – launched their own business called «Skillz Hairdesign» in the heart of Zurich. They’ve already settled in, had a strong start in business with a solid customer base and day by day they’re getting even more customers. We’ve invited them to an interview to talk about starting a business and topics like doing the finances and how important planning is.
Join them on their journey of making their breakthrough and establishing their brand «Skillz Hairdesign» in the area of Zurich!
How to Start a Business with Your Best Friend
Top Interview Question and Its Answer
You’ve mentioned that a lot of clients followed you to Skillz –
How did you build up a customer base?
«It is important that you appreciate your clients. Let them know and feel the appreciation you’ve got for them putting their trust in you. A lot of clients are now very good friends. I’ve met my best friend because she came to us as a customer in order to get a haircut. It’s not only about getting them a haircut but also go the extra mile. For example: If someone’s giving you a call and saying that they’d need a haircut on that day because they’ve got a really important date the next day and they want to look great, you should be flexible enough to squeeze them in somehow. Even if this means you do overtime. Your customers have to know that they can count on you and you’re here for them.» Quote by Tamy
«Although you put your customers first, you should still be aware of your well-being! Don’t work too much. You wouldn’t be able to be there for following customers if you’re too exhausted because of your previous work. Keep the balance.» Quote by Faby
Expert Guide – What can you recommend to us?
Plan Before You Act
«I’ve made a huge mind map on the wall in my living room and used it as a check list. This really helped me. Sometimes you’ve got so much to do that you’d easily forget things when you don’t visualize them or write them down. Thinking back now, I’m surprised how much we got done right before we’ve opened the shop.» Quote by Faby
«We did everything in such a short time so we had to plan before we’ve started to work. For example, we had to rebuild the shop within two weeks. It was crucial to have a great plan so we’ve called up the sanitary, the painter, the electrician and so on early enough to make an appointment. Having a plan has saved us so much time» Quote by Tamy
Do the Math
«As simple and basic it might sound, I’m convinced that the most important thing is and always will be your finances when building and running a business. I’ve saved up 60'000 Swiss Francs to start the business. I thought this would be more than enough but there’s so much more money to pay than I first have expected. For example, I didn’t think of the deposit you’d need to pay here in Switzerland before you become the tenant of office premises. Also, I didn’t expect it to be such a huge amount. It has finally cost us 20'000.- Swiss Francs!
There’s always more to pay for than you first calculate. Suddenly, something in your shop breaks and doesn’t work anymore so you’d have to replace it. Always have enough money on the side for unexpected issues!» Quote by Tamy
«I just want people to know that it’s so important that you can pay yourself a salary as soon as possible. If you’re not able to pay yourself a salary, it’s not going to work.» Quote by Jasmin Feierabend