Company: Derma-Glow by Dalia - innovative cosmetic studio
Founder: Dalia Btio-Touma
Founding date: September 22, 2023 (business registration), February 9, 2024 (opening)
Industry and company: Beauty salon

What drives you? What is your motto?
An effective method without downtime, without needles, without pain, in a fast-paced world or time.

What is your start-up about and what is special about it?
Derma-Glow is the only certified studio in Wiesbaden for Infuzionsystem - filler without needles - as well as for dermaplaning and skinceuticals treatments, and I am a problem solver in the field of individual beauty.

What are your first successes?
During my start-up phase, I succeeded in integrating the most modern cosmetic treatment methods into my business model.

What is your professional background?
I have two master craftsman certificates, one in cosmetics and one in hairdressing.

What prompted you to set up your own business?
As a passionate beautician, I was always looking for a method that emphasized natural radiance and was pain-free - which is exactly what was missing in Wiesbaden. So I had the idea of setting up my own institute with a focus on pain-free and relaxing alternatives.

Who advised you, who are your helpers and mentors?
The Jobcenter department "Perspectives for Families" (Ms Carle, Mr Berlin) gave me particular support. I also attended the seminars for business start-ups at EXINA GmbH and was supported in the areas of business plans and social media by Mr. Linn and Mr. Pfeifer.

How did you experience your first few days as a founder?
I had to postpone my opening ceremony by four weeks due to COVID.
Nevertheless, my opening ceremony was a great success and the first customers could be entered in my diary.

What was your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it?
In the beginning, the administrative tasks took up too much time. I put a time blocker in my diary for this.

How do you draw attention to your company? What is your best marketing idea?
I have created a representative homepage and regularly post content on some social media.

How did you finance your start-up?
I took out a Hessen microloan from WIBank to set up my business.

What dream would you still like to realize?
I want to be able to live well financially from my institute and still not neglect my family.

Please complete the following sentence: If I had more time, I would ...
My dream is to expand my successful cosmetics concept with several branches.

What is your special tip: What would you recommend to founders?
I recommend that all founders prepare thoroughly, be patient and never give up.