Power of Words and Suggestions

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in freelancing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ayse Balkos, an author based in Sheffield, United Kingdom.

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

My business is entertainment, a live performance involving spoken word, music, and multimedia. My writings and performance are tailored around cross-cultural stories and being a woman. The performances are aimed at being entertaining also. If you like a good stomp on the dance floor or a good laugh and a cry about all the things that can go wrong in a woman’s life, you are in the right place.

Tell us about yourself

I strongly believe in the power of words and suggestions. I use satirical comedy and video projection, and music to stimulate the commentary on gender politics and expectations of being a woman, as well as overlooked issues in personal, interpersonal relationships and family dynamics centered around women.

I was born and lived in Turkey until 2009, then moved to Sheffield, UK. I have a BS in Chemical Engineering and MBA (Masters in Business Administration), but I have always been creating art. I had a traumatic upbringing and found artistic expression to be a therapeutic outlet to channel many emotions.

After spending several years as a painter and live art performer during a month-long artist residency in the Peruvian Amazon basin, I became more interested in the power of words. I have found writing a healing tool. Writing poetry, lyrics and a play helped me resolve deep personal conflicts. After talking about my journey of having a family life filled with trauma, being a woman, artist, and immigrant at the sisterhood Social club, I realized the impact of my story on other men and women.
I have a poetry and audiobook called “Come To Tower,” with music accompaniment by Ash Gray, and an hour-long monologue called “Canine Teeth.” I am also passionate about writing lyrics and performing energetic vocals for a Punk Rock band called 39th Gate Of Hell.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

In 2022 I received funding for several things. One of them was the Arts Council National Lottery Funding. I used this funding to create the performance, Canine Teeth, “Come To Tower.” Seeing this book released in 45 outlets and distributors helped to bring a conclusion to some of my journeys. Now it is possible to download free sample poems from my website.

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

One of the hardest things about being a business owner is making good and bad decisions and being aware of how these things can affect your bank balance. As a business owner, I am responsible for all the operations, decision-making, administration, finding balance, creating work, and taking time for myself.

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

Learn not to be sentimental about business.
Do it. You might fail, don’t take that failure personally. Be honest. Monkey see, monkey do! That is a fact.
Your friends and your relationships are so crucial to your success. Even if that means being alone for a while, if necessary, change your friends.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.aysebalkos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ayse.balkos/

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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