Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Juvaughn Mahabeer, founder of Books Galore 2.0, located in Edmonton, AB, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
The purpose behind why I founded Books Galore 2.0 is to help as many people as possible accomplish their reading goals and develop other healthy habits, as a result, to live fuller and happier lives. I publish very comprehensive book reviews bi-weekly to spark curiosity in my readers that hopefully will lead them on the path to start or continue to read. I also offer free and paid reading courses to help make the process easier. My free 7-Day Reading Guide and companion course have worked wonders in helping scores of people kickstart their habit of reading.
If you have one or more books in your home that you want to read but haven't been able to get started, then Books Galore 2.0 is the place for you!
Tell us about yourself
Hi! My name is Juvaughn Mahabeer. I was born and raised in Jamaica, and I currently reside in Canada as a Citizen. As a young boy, I struggled with my ability and confidence to read being called on in class to read was one of the things I most feared. Growing up in a single-parent household, my Mother would always kindly stress the importance of education and the role that reading played in being successful. I appreciated her lessons.
My father wasn't as active in my life, but I would occasionally stay with him and my stepmother, and they would also stress the importance of reading. But it wasn't just because my parents emphasized reading that I came to believe it is essential. My observation was that my classmates who read often were also the students who did well in English and other subject areas.
So at a young age, I suspected that there was a correlation between reading and academic success. Around age 15, I concluded that the habit of reading consistently builds mental muscles, which in turn fostered discipline in school. This discipline, I believe, would overflow to other areas of life. Even though I understood this, it would be years later until I reaped the benefits that reading offered.
So fast forward to the present….. I currently own and operate the website booksgalore.net, where I read 25 pages per day and post bi-weekly book reviews. I also sell the books I read and digital products that improve self-discipline towards reading. I also own the website successcoach.net, where I sell my coaching services. And my brand website is juvaughn.com. So how did I make the transition from a kid too scared to read in class to someone today who reads one book per week and regularly posts book reviews to a global audience? I did it by making reading consistently a goal and putting forth the effort.
You might be thinking, "That's too simple, Juvaughn anyone can do that,"….and you're right, but how many people you know actually make the transition. In theory, it sounds easy, but it can be challenging in reality. This is why I do what I do, to make the process easier for individuals who want to develop a habit of reading.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is my global audience, having readers from all seven continents, and since the company's start in 2018, reaching over 100 countries.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing I believe that comes with being a business owner is giving the business enough time and attention for its growth while also balancing a personal life.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Think hard about your 'Why,' without a strong why for your business, it will be hard to keep going when things get tough.
- The compound effect will be your best friend when starting and growing a business. You probably won't be successful the first week, month, or even a year after your start, but success will always come as you keep working at your goal every day. It adds up!
- Don't wait until you have a golden idea before you start; in most cases, the idea that will bring you success will come after many iterations and trial & error. So just start!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I will be launching my 30-Day Reading Challenge in mid-May 2022 for those who want to take their reading to the next level. Each of the 30 days will have a video going over the topic of the day and daily reading action items.
Some core aspects of the challenge will be accountability and working on the limiting psychology that is keeping you from being consistent. Click my website link below and subscribe for more details.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.booksgalore.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/booksgalore2.0
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.