Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Marlene Covarrubias, Owner of BrujaTalks Botánica, located in Dallas, TX, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I have a spiritual-based business; most of my customers are business owners themselves and everyday working people! My business is helping people heal from the inside out, including their homes, ways of thinking, etc. My business practices are based on indigenous teachings, and my business as a whole is very focused on nature, herbalism, and healing.
Tell us about yourself
As the oldest daughter of 5, I have been working since I was 14; I've had various jobs throughout the years, and even after all this time, helping people and helping the community has always been a priority of mine. What motivated me to start my business was the need for a business like mine at the time. I was looking to find other businesses with visions and goals like mine that gave back to the community and equipped it to heal, and grow, break generational curses, and more. The only problem is that it didn't exist yet, and that's what pushed me to open up my services to the public!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is that in my first year of business, I took no losses; most small businesses, when they're first starting, the first 1-4 years you may not see a return on your investment, but I was blessed. That, to me, was amazing, I'm in my second official year of business as a legalized entity, and I am still growing and expanding, with many amazing opportunities knocking at my door.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Working and pushing through the fear, the what-ifs, the doubt, and the constant overthinking this has probably been the hardest thing to have to deal with being a full-time business owner now. There is a different type of stress that comes with being a business owner, YOU are the only one that can control certain aspects of your business, and so much is on the table at every different stage, it can get overwhelming. Having a good support system, other business owners you can talk to, throw ideas off of, etc., has helped enormously!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Number 1 would be to set yourself up for success by creating systems and processes ahead of time, if possible, for your business.
Number 2, if you can outsource admin work or other aspects of your business, absolutely do it. You're taking precious time away from money-making activities by focusing on things that someone else can do easier and in less time.
Number 3, learn to be flexible and sometimes go with the flow. We are still in a pandemic; so much has changed over the past two years that there is no telling how things will come to an end. That's why it's important to be able to pivot, change directions, and be flexible because that flexibility will always allow you room to grow and change direction.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
It's so important to take care of your mental health as a business owner, to set aside the first 2-3 hours of your day to take care of YOU, to work out, journal, have quiet time, etc. This helps how your day goes, how much energy you have throughout the day, and how to deal with any blockages that may be thrown at you day by day.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.brujatalksbotanica.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrujaTalks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brujatalksbotanica/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/brujatalkstarot
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.