Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tahira Rehmatullah, Co-Founder and CEO of Commons, located in New York, NY, USA.

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

Commons is a natural wellness brand committed to helping people feel their best. By offering products, education, and a community of Ambassadors through our social selling platform, we help people get the most out of each and every day. Starting with CBD and minor cannabinoids, we are accelerating access to existing and innovative products by leveraging our unique feedback loop and dynamic supply chain.

Tell us about yourself

My previous work influenced my decision to go into cannabis by allowing me to see what truly excited me and what very much did not. In my previous work, I realized that I wanted something that was more mission-oriented and ultimately helped people. I did not necessarily know at that time that cannabis was going to be the emerging industry that caught my attention, but after my grandfather was diagnosed with cancer in 2013 and my family and I discovered cannabis as an alternative treatment, I realized how much power there was in cannabinoids and couldn't deny the opportunity to help people and establish a new industry. It also encouraged me to be more entrepreneurial and creative about what I wanted to do and how I wanted to do it. I'm motivated each day by the ability to help others who are suffering from pain, stress, sleep issues, etc., and also provide an opportunity for financial empowerment.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Taking the leap is half the battle. I was always scared of venturing off on my own but eventually realized that if I didn't bet on myself, who would? I'm proud of the team we've been able to build at Commons and the investors and advisors who support and teach us every day. It's an incredible group to be a part of.

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

Being a business owner means you have to learn it all but not necessarily know it all. You need to think big but execute on the small every day. In some ways, you're holding two opposite ideas at the same time, all the time, which very well may be the recipe for insanity.

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

  1. Seek out a great network and mentorship. You're never too old to have a mentor; everyone should have one because we should never stop growing and learning about ourselves and those around us.
  2. Ask for help. What's the point of all those great people you've met along the way if you're not going to acknowledge their amazing talents?
  3. Remember your why. It's hard starting a business. It will test everything in your life, and you will want to quit or wonder why you started it in the first place. Step back, look at the world around you, and remember your why. It brings you back to the center every time.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.commons.co/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Commons_co-104050912349634
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/commons_co/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TahiraRehm
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/commonsco/

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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