Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Quinn Carson, Founder of Eat Sleep Surf, located in Los Angeles, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a surf adventure company that takes guests on guided adventures in the ocean and the mountains of Southern California. We serve a combination of local residents and travelers.
Tell us about yourself
I grew up in Chicago as a high-energy kid with ADHD. I satisfied my highly active personality with skateboarding, wakeboarding, snowboarding, and the high school soccer team. This wasn't enough, however, and I found myself much more at home when I moved to Los Angeles and immersed myself in the surfing and adventure sports culture. I grew dreadlocks and became a surf instructor, climbing guide, and passionate pursuer of high adventure trips to remote surf spots in Baja, California, and the high peaks of the Sierra Nevada.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I have made a career out of sharing my passion with others, which is definitely my biggest accomplishment.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The office work, scheduling, and staying organized are the hardest things for me. But luckily, I met my wife, who is a hugely positive influence in my life. Not only is she organized, but she helped me believe in myself and introduced me to a relationship with God, which gave me the confidence to start my own business and be the best version of myself :)
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Taking the first step is the hardest part. Taking that risk and stepping away from your current job. But it is so much more mind over matter. First, you need to believe in yourself. Start by attacking the lies you may believe about yourself and speak (literally speak out loud) truths about yourself every day, like "I am enough. I am talented. I am hardworking. It's ok if I make a mistake." I look to scripture for all this and am basically repeating what God says about me. It's all there. AND IT WORKS!
Then surround yourself with people who believe in you. Surround yourself with people who push you positively and encourage you. And remove people from your life who discourage you, snuff out your creativity, or have been emotionally hurtful to you. Life is short; there's no time for that stuff.
Lastly, get a routine going and stick to it. And definitely let yourself make mistakes and have bad days. It's ok. Don't let mistakes or setbacks determine your narrative. You've already done the hardest part: take the first step. The second and final step is to not give up!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.eat-sleep-surf.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eatsleepsurfla
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eatsleepsurfla/
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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