Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Allison Gaynor, Founder of Aviva Gittle Companies, located in San Diego, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
It's actually three businesses: children's books, freelance writing, and real estate. These days the focus is on freelance writing. My customers are businesses that need quality content for their websites.
Tell us about yourself
Since childhood, I've had an entrepreneurial streak. I remember making little moppets out of yarn and selling them door to door. I've tried various businesses through the years -- desktop publishing and computer services in the early years. I've also been writing since childhood. When self-publishing became prevalent, I started publishing my own children's stories. The most successful of the businesses has been real estate investing. In fact, I'm working on a book called "How to be a Landlord" that I hope to publish next year.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Honestly, it's a lot of small accomplishments. I would say I'm most proud of the 20 children's books I've published to date. If we're talking purely profit, real estate investment has been the most lucrative.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The realization that because you like to do something doesn't mean you can be successful doing it for money. I love to cook -- I would never open a restaurant.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
As I used to tell my son as he was growing up, "Rule number one: know thyself." You must be real about who you are and what you can handle. A successful business doesn't have to be huge or make tons of money. It should make you happy and, ultimately, support the lifestyle you've selected for yourself.
- Take the time to research the type of business you are considering.
- Understand the time and money you will need to invest in starting and running the business.
- Grow your business thoughtfully. Early success does not guarantee future success. Better to establish firm roots before you start to expand.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://gittlepublishing.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AvivaGittlePublishing
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gittlepublishing/
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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