In this exclusive TopSHE Q&A feature, Ivy Zhan shares her journey on navigating the beauty industry, redefining success, and fearlessly embracing bold new beginnings.
Grace, determination, and an unwavering sense of purpose - these are the qualities that embody who Ivy Zhan is at her core. With an aura of steady confidence and a drive that’s impossible to ignore, Ivy radiates heart and intention in all she does. Her focus and passion are evident in every interaction, making it clear that her success is no accident. Her journey from owning three thriving beauty salons to becoming a key player in the coaching and network marketing scene showcases her incredible ability to pivot, all while staying deeply committed to her work ethics and values.
After years of success in the beauty industry, Ivy took a brave leap of faith, selling her salons to forge a new direction. Her entrepreneurial pursuit is one that is fueled by a desire for freedom - the freedom to travel, to live life on her own terms, and to build a business that empowers others to do the same.
Originally from Amsterdam, the Netherlands, with roots from China, Ivy’s rise to success has not been without challenges. From overcoming doubts of those closest to her to navigating the intricate demands of launching a new venture, Ivy's steadfast inner strength has served as a constant guide, propelling her forward with courage at every turn. Eventually, those doubts and obstacles she encountered would become her North Star, laying the foundation for her mission to empower others to realize their own vision of success.
In this month’s TopSHE Q&A, we had the pleasure of sitting down with the dazzling and audacious beautypreneur turned business coach to explore her incredible evolution. Ivy shares a remarkable story woven with transformative experiences and valuable lessons, offering compelling insights into resilience, freedom, and purpose - all of which have shaped her unique trajectory. Read on as she opens up about the wisdom and perspectives that illuminate her bold path forward.
Q1: Ivy, can you tell us a glimpse into what you do, the businesses you’ve had and what inspired you to be your own boss?
Answer: "Becoming an entrepreneur was never my plan; it just happened naturally. Sometimes, you feel a spark, a drive to create something real, and that’s exactly what happened for me. I started out as a certified technician for lashes and brows, working from home as a side hustle. It was a small start, but it grew quickly, and soon I was able to open my own salon. That side hustle eventually expanded to three salons, each with its own team and client base. What I loved about owning my own business was that it gave me the freedom to express my creativity, shape ideas to reflect my vision, and be in charge of making final decisions. It also became a journey of self-discovery - I really got to know myself in the process.
After five successful years in the beauty industry, something just didn’t sit right with me, despite my salons thriving. I was living a life that many aspire to have, but I wasn’t happy. I wanted to travel the world and embrace a greater sense of freedom, but I wrestled with the guilt for not fully appreciating the life I had worked so hard to build.
Eventually, I decided to sell my salons and move to Bangkok, where I launched my coaching and network marketing business. Network marketing often receives a bad rap due to past scams that we often hear about, but it’s important to recognize that not all companies operate that way. Choosing the right partnership is key. In the model I’m part of, success comes from genuinely helping others succeed. It’s about promoting a product you truly believe in and supporting people who join the team.”
Q2: What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a female entrepreneur, and how did you overcome them?
Answer: "One of the biggest challenges was dealing with people who underestimated me. Upon looking for a location for my salon, the real estate agent spoke to me as if I didn’t know what I was doing, dismissing the idea of a beauty salon as anything but a “real” business. However, the hardest part was the lack of support from my family and friends. They didn’t share my vision nor did they understand it. This led to a lot of self-doubt.
It wasn’t until I hit a breaking point that I realized I needed a mentor. Unfortunately, I didn’t seek one until after burning myself out. Looking back, I wish I had found guidance much sooner, as it could have helped me avoid the mistakes I made."
Q3: Can you share a pivotal moment in your business that you consider a significant success?
Answer: "The moment I sold my salons was a huge turning point for me. It was more than just a financial decision; it aligned with the lifestyle I wanted. It was about the freedom and the ability to pursue other ventures that felt more fulfilling.
Now, I’m proud of the work I do as a coach. Each successful session feels like a personal victory. There’s no greater reward than seeing someone invest in themselves and take steps toward a brighter future. If I can help someone feel confident, motivated, and make them smile, that, to me, is the true essence of fulfillment."
Q4: How has goal setting and planning a clear strategy impacted your business?
Answer: "I wasn’t always the best at strategic planning. In the salon business, my focus was on growing the client base each month rather than setting specific revenue targets. To me, profitability was more important than revenue, which I sometimes see as a vanity metric. In other words, I concentrated on keeping costs low in areas such as real estate, so that I could invest in other areas that would bring in more value.
One thing I never compromised on was paying my employees fairly. It’s crucial to pay your team what they’re worth. If you treat your employees well, they’ll remain loyal, and that’s a priceless investment."
Q5: What are the key revenue strategies that helped you grow your business?
Answer: "One of the main factors in my success was positioning my salons as a luxury service with prices to match. We raised prices every year, sometimes twice, to ensure the experience reflected the quality. It wasn’t just about the service - it was about making sure the experience aligned with the customer’s expectations. When you do that, even luxury becomes a necessity to them.
As a result, we achieved recurring revenue. Clients would come back every two to four weeks for services. It’s like a subscription without actually calling it that.
Now, with my network marketing business, the model is different. The focus is on high-ticket sales, combining product sales with coaching. This adds value for the client and makes it easier to hit income goals with fewer sales."
Q6: What sales and marketing tactics worked best for you, and how do you plan to adapt them for your new ventures?
Answer: "In my salon business, referrals and word-of-mouth were key. Providing excellent service fosters loyal customers who effectively market for you. Our strategy was to deliver the best customer experience possible, ensuring they would become enthusiastic advocates for our brand.
I plan to apply the same approach to my network marketing business. It’s about building relationships and trust. People won’t buy from you unless they believe in you, so my focus is on providing value and letting that create a ripple effect."
Q7: How did you manage to operate multiple locations effectively, and what approach did you take to build a reliable team?
Answer: "Running multiple locations requires a strong system. I had to be very organized and ensure operations across each salon ran smoothly. A major part of that was training; I made a priority to teach my staff everything they needed to know, from the basics to advanced skills. I wanted my team to develop confidence and experience as quickly as possible, which was essential for expansion.
But there was a downside to this. Because I trained my staff so thoroughly, many left within the first two years to start their own businesses. I can’t say I blame them; they were extremely talented and driven. It was just part of the cycle in my industry.
For hiring, I always looked for people who had a willingness to learn rather than a specific skill set. Skills can be taught, but attitude and drive are harder to find. Hiring people with the right mindset made a huge difference to the growth of my business."
Q8: Where do you see your current business in the next five years?
Answer: "Honestly, I plan to retire in five years! I love what I do, but I value life too much to keep working forever. Right now, my work doesn’t feel like a job - it’s an integral part of my lifestyle. For now, I’ll continue coaching and helping others achieve the same kind of freedom I’ve found, but ultimately, my goal is to step back and enjoy life without the demands of a career."
Q9: What advice would you give to aspiring female entrepreneurs who look up to you?
Answer: "My first piece of advice would be to find a mentor early on - it makes a huge difference! Remember, I’m no different than you. Everything you need to succeed is within you. Believe in the vision you see for yourself, but more importantly, take action. You can dream all day, but success only comes when you execute."
