Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Elsa Elbert, founder and CEO of Composed Living, located in Woodland Hills, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Composed Living is a Los Angeles based professional organizing company focused on creating sustainable, easy-to-maintain systems so that our clients can focus their energy on what matters most. We love helping busy families create space in their homes and their schedules so that they can enjoy life!
Sustainability is one of our core values, so we educate clients on conscious consumerism and eco-friendly decluttering. We've partnered with several local charities to ensure that all discarded items go directly to those in need (with a goal of nothing going into a landfill, unless that is truly the only place for it!).
Tell us about yourself
I spent the first 15 years of my career working for large organizations, putting in place the best solutions and systems to allow employees to do their jobs well, improve efficiency, and drive revenue. I loved leading teams of people and helping them to grow their skills and discover their ideal career paths. Eventually, I realized that I could combine my love of interior design with my expert organizational skills, and Composed Living was born! I know firsthand the many and varied benefits of living an organized life, and I love being of service to others by helping them create a home and life in line with their values.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Honestly, I am most proud every time we process payroll. I love that I have created a business where other talented individuals can have a great work/life balance, be fulfilled by their work, and are appreciated and respected. I think it is the coolest thing ever!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest part about being a business owner is establishing boundaries. I spent the first few years really struggling with keeping business hours and not doing business on my personal time. It's also difficult to accept progress over perfection - I want things to be perfect before releasing them into the world because I feel such a personal connection to everything we do.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- If starting this business lights you up, don't wait another moment - just get started! I spent two years balancing a full-time job with my "side hustle" - the day I began to focus only on Composed Living was such a nerve-wracking and wonderful experience, and I've never looked back.
- Hire someone with a skill set different than your own. If you excel at administrative tasks but don't understand marketing, hire a marketing manager to help you! Having someone who can easily do what you would struggle with saves you time and money in the long run. Also, depending on your industry, professional-quality photos go a long way! And you can use them across all your platforms repeatedly.
- Always find new ways to fall in love with your business again. Don't be afraid to try something new or stop doing something that doesn't bring you joy.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.composedliving.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/composedliving
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/composed_living/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elsaelbert/
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.