Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Evin Schwartz Founder of Belouga, located in New York, NY, USA.

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

Belouga is a social learning platform providing students and teachers worldwide with access to thousands of interactive and engaging videos, all aligned to key subject areas, grade levels, interests, standards, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Each video has built-in prompts and assignments that allow learners to create content in multiple forms of media, showcase their work to a peer network, and connect and collaborate with students locally and globally.

Belouga is a subscription-based platform providing access to school districts for their teachers and students. The overall experience is heavily based on common behaviors used outside of a traditional classroom setting, inspired by streaming content and social collaborations, all with a mission to make education impactful, accessible, and equitable for the youth of the world.

Tell us about yourself

I think I've always had an entrepreneurial mindset but never really understood what that meant until after I graduated college. My first "real job" was at a media agency in New York City, where I lasted a whopping two weeks in the position. It had nothing to do with the company I was working at but more so a recognition in myself that the corporate route was never going to be for me. I'll never forget taking the train back home after work one day, looking around and seeing the dispirited expression on almost every single person's face on that train, all just to do it again the next day. At that moment, I decided that no matter what I do professionally, the money and accolades will never matter as much as my happiness. It truly was one of the greatest gifts I have ever received in my life.

Sixteen years and multiple companies later, I can confidently say I've never sacrificed this gift. My career has revolved around education, media, and social impact, constantly looking to create new systems and experiences that create sustainable change within communities around the world. I'm definitely mission-driven, for better or for worse, and am constantly motivated by the thought of what more we can be doing as a society to set future generations up for success, as opposed to the world we are living in today.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I've been very fortunate throughout my career, having the ability to travel, speak at events, and work with individuals and organizations in over 100 countries. These experiences have undoubtedly shaped me as a person and a business leader, but the greatest takeaway from all of it is the connections I have been able to make. I would definitely describe myself as a connector, and I get such pleasure out of meeting new people, hearing about their passions and projects, and exploring collaboration opportunities.

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

Aside from feeling like you're getting punched in the face 50 times a day, I'd say it's the balancing act for most business owners, especially over the past few years. Being a business owner is a marriage. You are devoting your life to an idea and doing everything in your power to ensure that idea turns out to be a success, which means sacrificing a lot.

I often think about how business was done pre-internet and when leaving the office truly meant work was done for the day. Don't get me wrong, I love working digitally and believe we are living through a time where the opportunities are endless thanks to technology, but I also know how important that disconnection from work can be.

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

  1. Commit. Everyone has a great idea, but only a few have the ability to execute it. I call these "the one-dayers." Instead of making excuses on why you can't do it today, commit to the process. Your one day is today.
  2. Surround yourself with people that will take the journey with you. The journey is the key word here as you will absolutely experience huge highs and huge lows (entrepreneurship isn't for the faint of heart). Having a support network that will be there with you every step of the way, whether a Co-Founder, Employee, Mentor, Friend, or Family member, is something money can not buy and is vital to your professional and personal success.
  3. Enjoy it. You started a business because you were obsessed with a problem that you had an idea for. This is one of the most exciting times as a business owner, dreaming of huge possibilities and solutions. Over time that excitement tends to fade for business owners who forget about that spark and the original reason they sacrificed a stable pathway for this crazy journey of entrepreneurship in the first place. Enjoying the experience is the X-factor for building and scaling a sustainable business. The business needs you, your employees need you, and your customers need you. If you are not enjoying the experience, you're limiting what you can give them and, most of all, limiting yourself.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.belouga.org/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/EvinSchwartz
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evinschwartz/

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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