Spotlight On: Michael Do
Welcome back to "Spotlight On" - the blog series where I dive deep into the world of incredible small businesses. This time around, I’m putting the spotlight on none other than the legendary Michael Do. You might've seen his work gracing the pages of Elle, Wonderland, and Arcadia – this guy is the real deal.
When it comes to nail artistry in the UK, Michael stands in a league of his own. His creativity knows no bounds, and his freehand skills? Unbelievable. His calendar? Well, that's booked solid weeks in advance, thanks to his loyal customer base.
Oh, and did I mention? He's the genius behind my own fabulous nails. In fact, I was the OG customer at his Teddington-based salon, Spa Nails 14 years ago!
I’m proud to call this creative genius not only an inspirational business owner, but my family. Over to you Mikey.
What's the most unexpected lesson you've learned on your entrepreneurial journey that you wish you knew when you started your business?
Being a creative, we don't anticipate or even really care for all the nitty-gritty bits behind the running of a business. It's so important to ask for help, research, and have a good team, including accountants and solicitors. When your business starts generating a decent cash flow, remember to set a portion aside for the unexpected costs that may occur along the road.
Imagine you're having coffee with someone who dreams of starting their own small business. What three pieces of advice would you offer them, and why are they crucial?
Whatever small business it may be, not being afraid to make mistakes and take risks is crucial, especially during the early stages. It's all about learning and growing; following your gut will undoubtedly benefit your decision-making process. I know it may seem obvious, but just working hard! Know that you will have to work harder than anyone else; long hours and no holidays will become the norm. It's these sacrifices that will either make you or break you, a true test of your abilities and commitment to your work.
Having a strong sense of responsibility is crucial, and just know that all the hard work you put in will benefit you in the long run. You get what you give!
Dreams do come true, so be patient and work your hardest. I'm not the biggest believer in manifestation. If I want something to happen or a goal that needs reaching, I'm most definitely going to do what it takes.
In the early days of your business, what kept you motivated and inspired, even when faced with challenges?
We opened Spa Nails during a time when our services were seen as a luxury compared to the necessity they are today. The first few years were all about building trust and relationships with our clients. Being a small local business, it is crucial to maintain a relationship with the women who would support our business year-round, as local clients are the most loyal clients. We relied heavily on word of mouth as the main tool for marketing our services. With limited budgets and the concept of social media and creating content not being a thing, having a good reputation is fundamental to any success that lies ahead. I've become the person I am today through the inspirational women who have walked through our doors. The different stories and backgrounds they share are amazing, and I'm so proud to have these women as my clients and friends. The motivation of my parents and their hard work and sacrifices, giving us this platform to succeed, is what will always motivate me to work harder and navigate me through whatever challenges I've faced on our journey. Big problems become smaller with their support and encouragement. They will forever be my biggest inspiration. Everything I do is for them, because of them.
What's one business decision that was a "make or break" moment for your business, and what factors influenced your choice?
The market for high street nail salons has boomed over the past 10 years. It's become quite a sensation, though highly saturated at the same time. Competition is stronger than ever. I think the make or break decision for our salon, setting it aside from the rest, has definitely got to be us operating as an appointment-only business. We wanted to provide a quality service as opposed to a salon that focuses more on the fast turnover of clients. We wanted to build relationships and create a space where our clients felt wanted and appreciated. It's all about the whole experience, not just getting your nails done and leaving. Though we don't benefit from the high turnover in cash flow, we maintain a high level of consistency, being fully booked pretty much all year round, and I believe that's down to our operations.
Small business owners often wear many hats. How do you balance the roles of boss, marketer, strategist, and more?
When there's no choice but to wear all these hats, it becomes second nature juggling all these roles as a business owner. Being organised and writing things down is key. I'm old school and write everything down, all my tasks and jobs, then ticking them off is so satisfying. You quickly learn to be the best multitasker. To be honest, I am a complete control freak, so I prefer wearing all these hats.
Can you describe a moment when you realised your business was truly making a positive impact on your community or industry?
We have been operating for 14 years now, and during this time, we have had the pleasure of witnessing the second generation of our clients growing up, returning, and still continuing to support our business, along with their mothers. It's so humbling to see this and the emphasis on loyalty and appreciation. The feeling that we have created this impact in these women's lives for them to continue to support us with their children, and only be committed to us, is something a small business can only ask for.
If your business were a book or movie, what would the title be?
"Keeping Up with Michael"
And there you have it – the one and only Michael Do. His journey as a nail technician and the story behind Spa Nails are absolutely incredible, and his passion for his craft and the dedication he puts into his business are remarkable. I have no doubt that you guys found his insights as inspiring as I did. Here’s to fabulous nails, now and forever!
Follow Michael here
Book an appointment by calling 0208 9733758
Don’t forget to subscribe here to ensure you don’t miss out on the fourth and final installment of “Spotlight On”. It actually made me cry. And if you’ve missed out on the previous interviews, check them out here.
Love,
Lisa xx