Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Candace Berry, owner of CeUpgrade and Airmeith, Inc., located in Apex, NC, USA.

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

Entrepreneurs don't often come with a large bank account. I started my massage company (Airmeith) over ten years ago as a broke single mom and now provide jobs for others that need flexible schedules. I love teaching and wanted to share how I did this with other entrepreneurial-minded people stuck in jobs that don't meet their needs or wants but have no idea how to get started. I host webinars, as well as weekend retreats, focused on the specific steps needed to get started. For example, instead of the "imagine yourself in 10 years" talk, I get right to how to rent a space and accept credit cards - actual tangible steps.

Tell us about yourself

I wanted a career where I could build my own company, and through a string of odd events, I discovered massage therapy when I was 29 years old. I loved taking care of people, but nursing wasn't for me. As a single mom, I also knew I had less than 18 years to "make a good human," so I wasn't going to spend it killing myself for managers and hours that made no sense for my life. While running my company, I've helped three people start their own businesses. That felt amazing; I loved teaching! During that time, I realized I was taking for granted just how much I learned along the way. I also know I can't physically massage forever. So I became certified to teach so that others can learn from my mistakes and successes while getting their continuing ed hours. With so much experience as an ADHD person trying to navigate the world and classes, I also love teaching the way I wish someone had taught me.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

So far, providing a job for seven women that allows them to work while still putting their family first. I've also loved watching the businesses of people I've helped in the past grow. There are so many people that helped me along the way, ones I couldn't have done without. It feels amazing to be that for someone else.

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

I came close to firing my first person this year, but after their honest review, they decided to quit a few days later. I was complimentary about things I could but had to be honest about what was unacceptable. It was tough to know; no matter how kindly delivered, it would and did hurt their feelings. I'm so willing to work with my employees; it was hard to have someone flat refuse to change their behavior based on company standards and client complaints. It felt worse when a week later, they reconsidered, agreed, and wanted to come back, and I was unwilling to do rehire them.

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

It seems cliche, but you have to set yourself apart. What do you like and hate about your competitors? Can you find a way to do business without using those methods? Also, lose the money instead of winning the fight when it comes to customers. Skill will get you nowhere if you're rude, difficult to work with, or are simply aloof with your customers. I'm a mediocre therapist but built a company based on my level of care/service for clients. The therapist worth firing I mentioned earlier had 10x the skill but a ridiculous amount of complaints about their attitude that had clients refusing to see them again. Treat customers and employees like family... well, the family you like... over anything else.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Yes, it takes a lot of work to start and own a business, but there are so many ways to ease in rather than diving headfirst into a big loan or risking everything. Find someone doing what you do well and ask them to mentor you or simply have lunch with you. (Insist on paying for said lunch.) People love telling you how much they know, so just ask! ;-)

Where can people find you and your business?

Website:
https://www.ceupgrade.com/
https://www.airmeith.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AirmeithMassage
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/airmeithmassage/

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.