Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Abby Rhinehart, Founder of Aquarian International, LLC, located in New York, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Aquarian International is an organization dedicated to promoting my business and educational offerings centered around life coaching, yoga instruction, and breathwork sessions. I have two (2) main focuses of work right now. The first is Abby's Advice. I offer everyone a chance to get the help of a Certified Life Coach for advice on their life, love, work, and existential problems in affordable, quick sessions. The second is Crip Yoga, an organization that provides accessible yoga for disabled people, by disabled people. I teach online and in-person classes in NYC.
Tell us about yourself
I am a disabled, neurodivergent, queer femme. Every part of my identity has been unwelcome in a space at most times. So my mission now is to create truly accessible spaces for those who have been marginalized by society to join together in the community. Whether through music, yoga, consulting, or activism, I believe I can be a part of building a better world for us all.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My team is kind, supportive, and very capable. They are the reason I can keep going, and knowing how much they love working with me warms my heart.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
As a disabled business owner, my greatest challenge is having enough financial support to keep us going when my disabilities prevent me from working. I think people believe disabled people are given a lot of support and assistance, but the truth is our policies (at least in the U.S.) are designed to keep disabled people in poverty. I strive to make my offerings and company accessible for everyone here, including myself. But the financial support of the community is what can truly make a difference, and it's not something I have control over, especially during rough economic times.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don't start anything if you can't afford to pay your staff a living wage. If they need to pick up a second job to live comfortably based on what you pay them, you cannot afford to be in business.
- You are only as strong and competent as the team you hire. Neglecting the hiring process or ignoring the cries for change from those you pay to make your company better will only lead to failure.
- What you do doesn't have to be big! Find a small need in your local community that isn't being met, and start there. The most successful businesses are those that are focused on serving the people around them who already need help- not building something and hoping wealthy people will show up. Start in your own neighborhood!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://abbyrhinehart.com/
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cripyoga
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cripyoga
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbyerhinehart/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/abbyerhinehart
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbyerhinehart/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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