When Flavia Leal emigrated to the US from Brazil with little to her name 22 years ago, she never could have predicted that she would be named 2012's Brazilian Entrepreneur of the Year (outside of Brazil, running a small company). Her success comes thanks to the popularity of her several Flavia Leal Beauty School locations, her own cosmetics company, and her worldwide appearances as a motivational speaker across America and Europe. 

The Founder of Flavia Leal Beauty School is passionate about leading by example and inspiring others. That's probably how she continued down a successful path to winning further awards - a 2018 Brazilian Women in Power award and a 2022 Portuguese/Brazilian Award. 

Along the way, she learned much about success and overcame many hurdles - including young single motherhood, losing both of her parents, and putting herself through school while working 80 hours per week. 

A positive mental outlook and several beneficial mindset shifts left her in good stead to overcome her inner and outer struggles and teach others how to do the same. 

Her life's mission is to continue to help women like herself embrace their talents and live their dreams. "Life only makes sense when helping others," Leal said. 

In her personal and professional life, mindset is essential to the beauty founder. She knows that no length of gorgeous hair or expertly applied makeup can hide a scarcity mindset or low confidence and that true success only comes when you shift your thoughts. 

Though on paper, she trains women in professional beautifying, she also teaches mindset shifts in her school. Many of her graduates say these inner lessons are just as powerful as the outer skills she supplies, from self-esteem improvement to challenging and rewarding themselves. 

She constantly reminds her students to stay positive. "Your internal dialogue becomes your external reality. So, try to stop doubting yourself, let your inner voice be kind, and always practice self-love," she said. 

Below, she reveals her five favorite tips for founders on shifting their mindsets.

Be Clear About Your Goals 

This might sound simple, but it's anything but. So many people start down a path - whether it's beauty school or playing the guitar - with no real goals, benchmarks, or clear plans. Instead, they simply start and assume the rest will fall into place. 

Well, Leal is here to tell you otherwise. "You are as strong as your plan and your goals. You can accomplish what you plan and push for," she says. "How do you expect to be a success if you haven't set any goals for yourself?" she asked. 

Build a Network

While many people look at a network simply as professional people you know that might be able to help you at some point - or vice versa - building a network is, in fact, far more powerful. 

From finding local business women who inspire you to befriending entrepreneurs to bounce ideas off of, your network will be who you turn to in times of celebration and of doubt. Never doubt how powerful they can be for you and your career. 

Routines are Everything

Nearly every successful entrepreneur lives by a set routine. Whether it's lights out at 9:30 pm or a bowl of Grape Nuts every day at 11 am, routines can be grounding, add structure, and alleviate the time-sucking process of small decisions. 

Leal has her tried and true routine of checking her calendar as soon as she wakes, spending 45 minutes at the gym, and checking in with her managers by phone on her way to the office. 

Challenge Yourself

"If there's no chance of you failing in what you currently do, you're doing something wrong!" laughs Leal. 

Push yourself harder, take a chance, and go with your gut. Just think of how much more you could accomplish if you didn't play it safe. And, remember, every great business person failed several more times than they succeeded. 

Take Chill Time

If you've followed the above advice, you will need to schedule some proper downtime for yourself. And that means more than watching 'Game of Thrones' while replying to work emails on your phone. 

Take a weekly day as a digital detox, or hit the spa once a month. Whatever it is that helps you to relax and reset, make sure you add it to your calendar to be your best, most productive self. 

By using these tips from Leal to shift your mindset, you're sure to enjoy increased success, productivity, and happiness.

About Flavia Leal

Flavia Leal, Founder of the Flavia Leal Beauty School, is an award-winning instructor, serial entrepreneur and motivational speaker. For more information, please visit: https://www.flavialeal.com/