Meet SHiqi Yang | Owner of Populus Beauty, retail entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with SHiqi Yang and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi SHiqi, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I took over the business from a friend during the pandemic, the original owner selling the place since they are moving to another state.

The decision of taking over the place was actually natural. The biggest concern is that we all can see that the pandemic has a huge impact on retail business, but I believe that things going to restore to what it used to be after the pandemic. People would love to come out even more when pandemic ends.

With sorting out the biggest concern, I looked into the detail of the actual business, and realize it is a really good deal with all the stock and everything. Plus, I do have previous experience of managing a store. My budget fit too, since i always plan ahead on doing investment and saving, that way when i see an opportunity, i don’t miss it.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Yes it’s super easy. It just happened like that.

I consider the business successful because we are a good team. Everyone supports one and another fully. We are a small business therefore everyone is very close and caring for each other. We are all passionate about providing the best products and service to our community. Since we haven’t build our website yet, we are currently serving local customers only. We are speaking for Asian cosmetics and skin care because we know the need is increasing. Each time a first-time customer comes in and had good impression brings us the biggest joy. The joy is motivating us to be better and do better each day.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
1. Miss Dessert is going to be our first stop. Their numerous options of drink and desserts is a good company for later exploration under the very welcoming sun.

2. Populus Beauty, just in case you need a SPF50+ PA++++ to keep you safe from sunburn.

3. Taliesin West. To see Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home and get inspired by the beauty of architecture.

4. Nobuo at Teeter House. It’s like built in the oasis of the desert in downtown Phoenix. Although it’s permanently closed now but the small park is worth to see especially when holding events.

5. Carney Springs Trailhead. A typical desert looking trail but you’ll be rewarded by reaching a natural air conditioned cave.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give the credit to my parents and my partner who were being extremely supportive mentally and financially. They assured that taking over Populus Beauty is a right decision.

Website: https://populus-cosmetics-store.business.site/

Instagram: populusbeautyaz

Yelp: populus beauty

Image Credits
Yulong Cui