In Belgium, women are playing more and more important roles in the beauty industry, which has made it a dynamic and changing field. In addition to their roles as beauty professionals and salon owners, a lot of women have become financially independent in this industry by becoming entrepreneurs. They now play a key role in advancing financial independence for themselves and future generations, encouraging others, and setting higher standards.

Laetitia Leone, Managing Director of Indigo Nails, grew up around her grandparents who instilled in her the virtues of independence and resilience, and these traits have been crucial to her growth both personally and professionally. Her practical and strategic approach to problem-solving was further driven by her interest in mathematics and economics, and her innate creativity enabled her to plan and carry out creative projects.

At the age of 27, she had bought two apartments, one of which she converted into a beauty parlor. This accomplishment served as a catalyst for her career change and set the groundwork for her future in business. Laetitia was resolute in her pursuit of progress and stability, and she never stopped investing in her career endeavors. This allowed her to become financially independent and free to pursue new chances. Her tale is proof of her fortitude, astute observation, and steadfast dedication to achieving her goals.

Most importantly, in 2024, she launched her own brand, Browlash-Store, marking a significant milestone in her entrepreneurial journey. This project allows her to realize her vision and bring a personal touch to the eyelash extensions and eyebrow care sector.

Embarking on a distinctive exchange with The Global Women Leader magazine, Laetitia divulges the intricate facets of her journey as a prominent leader in Belgium. Let's explore further.

Could you introduce Indigo Nails and explain the core idea behind the venture as well as its key areas of expertise?

Indigo Nails aims to empower nail professionals by offering cutting-edge, premium products that showcase nail beauty as an artistic medium. We hope to inspire creativity while guaranteeing high-quality and long-lasting effects with a wide range of products including UV gels, semi-permanent polishes, and nail art tools. In addition to adhering to the latest fashion trends, our collections aim to stimulate innovation in the sector.

What makes us unique is our commitment to providing outstanding products and helping our clients by providing expert training. We think it's important to support beauticians and nail professionals in honing their craft so they can provide the best care possible for their customers.

“Our quality and innovation have built Indigo Nails into a trusted leader, shaping the nail industry's future”

As Managing Director of Indigo Nails, what are your primary responsibilities, and how do you focus on driving the company’s growth?

My main duties as the Managing Director of Indigo Nails are to provide creative and strategic guidance. I am constantly searching for new and innovative ways to develop our brand to keep ahead of trends and satisfy our clients' constantly shifting wants. We have been able to bring these concepts to life with the help of an extraordinarily skilled staff, most notably with the launch of our third store this year.

Managing large initiatives, such as organizing occasions like the introduction of our newest collection and creating educational materials for nail technicians, is an essential aspect of my work. These programs not only improve our customer connections but also empower professionals in the sector, through in-person and online education.

In addition, I started my own cosmetics brand that specializes in brow grooming and eyelash extensions. In terms of finance, I play a major role in managing our investments and making sure that every choice we make supports our long-term growth plan. The ongoing success and growth of Indigo Nails have been greatly attributed to the rigorous planning that goes into each investment to optimize growth potential and guarantee financial stability.

What are the major challenges you face in your current role as a business leader, and how do you overcome them?

Getting the right people to grow with me has been one of my toughest difficulties as a business leader. I am forced to decide between growing my staff and doing things alone, which may be a time-consuming and frustrating process that eventually results in burnout.

The choice to open our own offices in an industrial neighborhood was another big challenge that took a lot of time and money to complete. My health and well-being suffered as a result of this bold decision, and it became crucial for me to strike a balance between my job, family, and self-care.

I place a high value on self-awareness and deliberately slow down, when necessary, to overcome these obstacles. There is still a lot of mental strain even if my role has changed from doing hands-on work to more strategic leadership. I now understand the need for resilience in navigating the business world, which enables me to enjoy the ups and downs of being an entrepreneur without losing sight of long-term success.

In your professional journey, what have been your biggest achievements, and what is your success mantra as a leader?

One of my biggest career accomplishments has been developing strong relationships with various independent stores. Despite the difficulties this has brought about, I am happy at how we have enhanced communication and created a strong, encouraging network.

Stabilizing our operations has also been greatly aided by the completion of our new building. Our ability has been improved by this infrastructure, which has also given us the assurance and comfort we need to take on new endeavors.