DAISY ADUL: CEO Kenya’s first cloud-based salon software shares her takeaways from the SLA x Dark and Lovely Accelerator residency
Daisy Adul is an experienced professional in marketing and client relations. She is also the founder of Uneeq Salon software, Kenya’s first cloud-based salon software. With a demonstrated history of running sales and operations for several organizations, Daisy has built a team that prides itself in offering a unique and customized experience for customers while guiding them to achieve their maximum potential.additionally has a track record of exceeding targets. Having worked within the Logistics industry with multinationals such as FedEx Express, Bollore Logistics for over a decade, inherently understanding how vital customer service, marketing, strategic planning, and implementation is to a business. Daisy is one of the top 5 She Leads Africa x Dark and Lovely Beauty Accelerator, finalists. In November 2018, she attended the accelerator residency boot camp at the L’Oréal HQ in Johannesburg, and she shares her experience in this article. Tell us about your business Uneeq is a software company providing affordable and convenient cloud-based business solutions such as inventory management, customer data collection, invoicing, payroll, financial reports, branch management, appointment scheduling and so much more within the beauty and wellness industry. [bctt tweet=”I am highly driven by what the world has to offer and hope to leave it better than I found it – @daisy_adul ” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] How did you hear about the SLA x Dark and Lovely Beauty Accelerator Being a follower of She Leads Africa on social media, I have always followed the remarkable work they do with women across Africa. I receive their monthly newsletter, and so this is how I found out. At the time I didn’t think much about it, but after watching Accelerator programs held in the past, I was sure this is exactly what myself and the business needed. Talk about perfect timing. What are your 5 key tips for submitting a winning application? The first thing which you cannot stress enough is your story. [bctt tweet=”Anyone can come up with a great idea, and anyone can be an entrepreneur but what sets you apart and what exactly is it that makes your business a need rather than a want.” username=””] Secondly, it’s your pitch deck which is basically a layout of key information about your business that aims to attract potential investors. Your pitch deck should be captivating enough. Keep it short and simple but highlight key points such as what problem it is your trying to solve and the solution. Know your market, your competitors, challenges you face and some of the steps you have taken to overcome these challenges. [bctt tweet=”Be real. As simple as that. Do not oversell your business at the same time do not sell yourself short.” username=””] Highlight your milestones or personal success within your business or as an entrepreneur. Nobody wants to be associated with a boring brand. Tell us about your experience during the SLA x Dark and Lovely Beauty Accelerator residency. In one word, eye-opening. When I first came to the program, I thought I knew exactly what I was doing regarding my business and its structure. It gives you clarity on some key things we usually tend to overlook in our businesses. Meeting other fabulous boss ladies doing phenomenal things within their space and realizing that I am not alone in this was cool. The assurance that in one way or another, we all face challenges in our businesses, but we can’t give up. After all, the motherland needs more women in leadership positions. Support from the entire team at SLA and experts from Dark and Lovely also made the week bearable. Moments of self-doubt became winning moments, and courage to speak up about my business is something I take home with me. What was your highlight of the residency program Definitely learning how to create an excellent pitch deck. As a business owner, what would you say is your unique selling proposition? Being the first Salon software within the Kenyan market and across East Africa is something we pride ourselves in. But that isn’t enough, ensuring that this software is integrated for the African market through understanding the missing value chain from 3 fronts that are salon owners, customers and technicians are the extra miles we have gone. What’s the most important thing the SLA Accelerator residency has taught you? Tomorrow is always a better day. During the week we all had low moments, and at some point, I wanted to give up. But surprisingly enough on the last day when presenting our pitch decks, I was not the same person who had walked into L’OREAL office on Monday. I was bold, confident and passed on the exact message I had been struggling with which is simply how brilliant my business is. I learned how to stop selling myself and my business shortly. One of your exercises during the residency was to create a vision board for 2019. What’s that one goal you MUST achieve in 2019? What is most important to me currently is self-development in all areas of my life. And so the one thing I intend to accomplish in my 2019 is to get recognition for my business in various platforms for women in business through growth and restructure. What’s your secret sauce? How do you get your glow up? Staying Authentic and being unapologetic about wanting more. Are you a Tea or coffee gal? Definitely a coffee girl. “Behind every successful woman is a substantial amount of coffee” –Stephanie Piro, Interested in contributing for She Leads Africa? Click here.