Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with David Hamilton, owner of Anubis Improv, located in New Orleans, LA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Anubis Improv is a long-form improv training company. We believe that improv can be a powerful force for good and that the fundamental principles of improv teach us to trust our own voice, respect other people's ideas, and be mindful and attentive—invaluable skills for a healthy life. We offer tailored classes and workshops that incorporate mindfulness and creativity to help build confidence, clear communication, and collaboration. Whether you're an entrepreneur, an actor, or a person looking to grow, we've got something joyful for you.

Tell us about yourself

Transitioning out of my first career as a tour manager and curious to learn whether I still loved performing as much as I did when I was young, I started taking improv classes in 2013 in New Orleans. I was immediately hooked. By 2014, I was teaching, coaching, and co-directing a conservatory while getting to perform several times a week. By 2018, I was able to take the knowledge and skills I had gained and open my own business. Since then, I've been building a curriculum, offering workshops, and teaching classes. I love finding new ways to challenge my students and love to see them grow as performers and people. I also love watching teams and coworkers discover new things about themselves and their peers while laughing and enjoying each other's ideas.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Professionally, I'm proud to be able to offer classes and workshops simultaneously in New Orleans, where Anubis Improv was founded, and Glasgow, Scotland, where I am currently living. We are also preparing to expand to Oxford, MS, at the end of this year, which is very exciting. Personally, seeing people be inspired and changed by our classes feels like my greatest accomplishment in this field. I've seen people blossom and find the confidence to pursue their dreams; I've seen new coworkers bond and old coworkers reconnect. I've taught hundreds of students over thousands of hours, and sharing the joy and creativity of improv with them is a reward like no other.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

For me, it's promotion and pricing. I love teaching a room full of people this odd, wonderful art form, but getting into that room, whether that be through social posts, advertising, or old-fashioned networking, can be a stressor. Also, finding the right balance between a company's budget and our business needs can be difficult. I want everyone to enjoy the lessons of improv, but I can't give them away for free (yet).

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Like troubled, brilliant old Bukowski said, "Find what you love and let it kill you." You have to be passionate about your business model to push through the uncertainty, struggles, and imposter syndrome that every new business owner deals with.
  2. Pay attention to your customers and don't fear change. Ask for feedback as often as possible and adapt to new ideas and changing markets.
  3. Ask for what you're worth. Don't undersell your experience or value. If people want what you're selling and are willing to pay for it, let them. The time, energy, and effort you put in to be good at what you do are valuable, and you deserve to be able to live a decent life from that effort.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Even if it's not with us, find an improv class and take it. It's strange, nerdy, and life-changing. If not improv (for whatever reason), find an outlet for your creativity. Stifled imaginations are dangerous and unhealthy. Find and share joy as often as possible!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://anubisimprov.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnubisImprov/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anubisimprov/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/anubisimprov
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/anubisimprov/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.