Year Three: The Truth About Starting Over as a Solopreneur Abroad

What finally clicked in year three of rebuilding my one-woman business abroad

They say it takes 3 to 4 years to truly get a service-based business off the ground. I never really believed that — until I moved to Mallorca.

Back in Canada, I grew my nail business fast. I was based in a small mountain town where I knew everyone, had community support from day one, and word-of-mouth spread quickly. My books filled up. My reputation grew. I skipped the struggle I kept hearing about in entrepreneur circles. Honestly, I thought I was the exception to the rule.

But when I relocated to Mallorca, I was reminded — hard — that growth isn't always linear, especially when you're starting over in a new country with a completely different rhythm.

Year One: Starting from Scratch

When I arrived in Mallorca and relaunched my business, I was confident. I thought I knew how to properly utilize tools like my Google Business Profile, my website, and my booking system. But I quickly realized that these things hadn’t been crucial in Canada — because there, my business was built entirely on word-of-mouth.

In a new place where no one knew me, reviews and SEO suddenly mattered a lot. I had to learn how to truly optimize my online presence and understand how locals and tourists find service providers. It was a wake-up call — and a big one.

Year Two: Rebuilding with Intention

The second year wasn’t about refining services — it was about navigating the structure of a completely different kind of business. In Canada, I had a full-time client list, sold my all-natural nail care line, and ran a small e-commerce business.

But here in Mallorca, I was juggling something entirely new:

• A smaller, private client base that was slowly growing

• Production work that required networking and relationship-building

• Learning how to market both sides of my business — luxury nail services and on-set nail artistry — through my website, Instagram, and real-world connections

Balancing it all wasn’t easy. I wasn’t just learning a new business rhythm — I was redefining my brand in an entirely new market.

Year Three: Finally, It Clicked

This year, something shifted.

Suddenly, my calendar started to fill. Clients found me — not just through ads, but organically. Industry peers reached out. The seeds I planted in Year 1 started growing.

I’m finally seeing the results of:

• Sticking to consistent visual branding and messaging

• Building strong client relationships, one appointment at a time

• Offering a focused, high-quality niche service instead of doing everything for everyone

• Creating boundaries that protect my energy and standards

Now, I understand what people meant when they said it takes 3–4 years to grow your business. It wasn't a myth. I had just skipped that part the first time — and didn’t realize how much context and community had helped me.

Thinking of Relocating Your Solo Business? Here’s What I’d Tell You:

Whether you're a lash artist, makeup artist, massage therapist, stylist, or any other one-person service-based business, if you're thinking of starting fresh in a new city or country — especially where you don't know anyone — here's what I’ve learned:

🔹 1. Don’t compare your new chapter to your old one

Starting over means just that. Leave behind your ego, your old timelines, and expectations that your past success will copy-paste.

🔹 2. Plan for slow, steady growth

Give yourself at least 24–36 months of financial and emotional runway. You'll need it to experiment, adapt, and build trust locally.

🔹 3. Start local — even if your clientele is international

Form relationships in your area. Get to know other creatives, beauty professionals, or studios. They might become collaborators or key referral points.

🔹 4. Protect your standards, even while growing

In the early days, it’s tempting to say yes to everything. But if you’re building a high-end or niche brand, your boundaries are what create long-term trust.

🔹 5. Invest in marketing skills — or help

Consistency is key. Whether it’s learning online marketing, SEO, or how to optimize your booking and website systems, taking a course (or paying someone who knows what they’re doing) will get you results faster and save you so much frustration.

Final Thoughts

I'm now three years into my Mallorca chapter, and things are clicking in a big way. It wasn’t easy. It wasn't instant. But now, I see how worth it this process has been — both personally and professionally.

If you're rebuilding your solo business in a new place, trust your pace. Growth takes time, especially when it's real and rooted. Stay consistent, invest in the right tools (or people), and don’t be afraid to learn what you didn’t need to know before.

And if you're in Mallorca and looking for thoughtful, clean, sculpted vegan gel nails — you know where to find me. ✨