Company: Derma-Glow by Dalia – innovative beauty salon
Founder: Dalia Btio-Touma
Date of establishment: September 22, 2023 (business registration), February 9, 2024 (opening)
Industry and company: Beauty salon

What drives you? What is your motto?
An effective method with no downtime, no needles, no pain, in our fast-paced world and times. 

What is your start-up about and what makes it special?
Derma-Glow is the only certified studio in Wiesbaden for infusion systems – fillers without needles – as well as for dermaplaning and Skinceuticals treatments. I am a problem solver in the field of individual beauty.

What are your first successes?
In the 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's certificates, one in cosmetics and one in hairdressing.

What prompted you to start your own business?
As a passionate beautician, I was always looking for a method that would enhance natural radiance and be painless—that's exactly what was missing in Wiesbaden. That's how I came up with the idea of starting my own institute with a focus on painless and relaxing alternatives.

Who advised you, who are your helpers and mentors? I received
particular support from the job center's "Perspectives for Families" department (Ms. Carle, Mr. Berlin). I also completed seminars on starting a business at EXINA GmbH. Mr. Linn and Mr. Pfeifer supported me in the areas of business plans and social media.

How did you experience your first 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 I was able to book my first customers in my appointment calendar.

What was your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it?
In the beginning, administrative tasks took up too much time. I set aside a time block in my appointment calendar for this.

How do you draw attention to your business? What is your best marketing idea?
I created a representative website and regularly post content on several social media platforms.

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

What dream would you still like to realize?
I would like to be able to make a good living from my institute without neglecting my family.

Please complete the following sentence: If I had more time, I would...
It is my dream 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.