Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in creative writing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Igee Okafor, founder of BOND OFFICIAL, located in New York City, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
BOND OFFICIAL is a media destination for men with smart and ultramodern minds. Through interviews and opinion pieces, we address various facets of modern male culture directly - with unswerving truth and authority.
Tell us about yourself
I always excelled in creative writing growing up. I eventually realized I enjoyed telling stories about things I learned and other things that were nice to imagine. This transitioned into me freelance writing for a few local publications in New York when I moved in 2013 for college. I enjoyed writing about fashion, lifestyle, and travel. I also worked for a few agencies where I got to work on produce shoots and brand-new companies. I wanted to develop those skills more on my terms with the idea that I could help build more content ideas per men's interests, so I launched BOND OFFICIAL as a project to explore further. Four years later, here we are.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
So far, it would be staying on course and making it to our fourth year with the kind of support we've had. It has taken time, focus, challenges, and many setbacks. I am thrilled BOND OFFICIAL has afforded a small, super caring, and devoted team that shares the same growth ideals as I see it. Being able to exist in a business space where all parties constantly challenge ideas while feeling supported and elevated is such a gift. It has changed me for the better, especially with learning how to relate to different kinds of people. That makes me happy too!
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
In the beginning, it's a lot of trial and error. For most, you're taking risks, whether allocating funds to experiments that may or may not work out, platonic partnerships that may or may not be suitable for the brand, not meeting specific goals, losing employees early, etc. Learning about all those things at once while also needing to wear multiple hats and still lead can take a toll on the mind. Nobody's advice can prepare you for the day-to-day feeling of all those things, but with time, you learn to handle things more gracefully and functionally.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Believe in your ideas.
- If you're unsure, you can research and ask for guidance. Compare the information to what you feel is instinctive. The answer you're looking for is somewhere in the middle.
- You're only as strong as your team. Lead with grace and Stay humble.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.bondofficial.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bondofficialusa/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/igeeokafor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/igeeokafor
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/igeeokafor/
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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