Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Alex Thomas, Co-Founder and Co-Owner of Athlete’s Gift Shop, located in Yorktown, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We sell personalized gifts primarily for young athletes, and our main customers are sports parents and grandparents.
Tell us about yourself
I used to work at a great marketing agency in New York City. That’s where I learned the fundamentals of performance marketing. I got to work with some amazing clients like Vuori, Mack Weldon, and Soul Cycle. From there, I used those skills to start my own ECommerce Brand. I enjoy marketing and building businesses. It’s quite fun for me, actually.
I also see a bigger vision with Athlete’s Gift Shop. I believe we can positively impact athletes across America.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Accomplishing seven figures in revenue while having such a lean team.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Dealing with burnout and needing to evolve continuously can be tiring, but it’s also where all the excitement and fun happen.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Learn a core skill like sales or marketing. Those skills will always help when starting a business. So go work at a startup to get those skills.
- When it comes to online marketing, always be testing. Have a mindset of not trying to launch something when it’s perfect, but go into it knowing you will have to optimize it. Launch fast, then test test test!
- Mindset is everything. Master your internal reality, and you can create any external reality you want.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.athletesgiftshop.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/athletesgiftshop
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisisalext/
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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