Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ekua Cant, Founder of Be Your No. 1 Cheerleader, located in London, England, UK.

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

I work with ambitious senior professional women who feel stuck, unclear, or weighed down by career experience that has them doubting themselves and makes them feel like an imposter. I work with them to help them reclaim their potential, create career success on their own terms, and to become their own cheerleader. I work with them 1-2-1, in group programmes or through self-study e-learning courses. We work together to reignite their confidence so that they can execute their next career move with clarity.

Tell us about yourself

I have an international background. My Dad was in the British Army, and we accompanied him on his postings which included Germany, Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and Portsmouth, UK. I’m neurodivergent, and I have Dyslexia and Dyscalculia. I am known for my energetic, positive and optimistic approach.

I am no stranger to career changes or transitions! I worked for eight years as a Civil Servant for the UK Government, starting out as a personal assistant and then becoming an IT and digital transformation project manager. I worked on large-scale multi-million-pound transformations within the government sector. I have launched and founded tech start-ups, and I am the former Co-Vice Chair for Global Tech Advocates, Black Women in Tech. I am the author of a motivational self-help book called, Be Your No.1 Cheerleader.

I am now a Career Career Transitions Coach and work with ambitious senior professional women to make career transitions without anxiety and self-doubt and to create their dream careers and lifestyle. I am passionate about helping women to build their confidence, take up space and make their unique impact in the world.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

In 2020 when I wrote and self-published my book, Be Your No.1 Cheerleader. Undertaking a book launch and marketing campaign when the world of face-to-face business changed overnight was challenging. I was able to pivot and take my book campaign online via youtube, webinars, and online live events.

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

Putting in place the right mindset to manage the inevitable challenges that come with running a business. I think when starting out, one of the hardest things can be managing and working through failure. When you put yourself out there, and you don’t get the response you had hoped for, it can be disheartening and painful. Learning to adopt a growth mindset and re-framing how you see it. Being able to see it as valuable data on what simply didn’t work is a helpful perspective that has helped me. Also, crucially acknowledging what did work! Finally, see failure as part of your journey to success.

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

  1. Test and get feedback on your business idea and take your time transitioning to working on it full time.
  2. Join entrepreneurial networks and seek out mentors or coaches that can support you with different aspects of the entrepreneurial journey.
  3. Invest time in self-care and looking after your mental and physical health. It can be tempting to overlook being healthy when you’re excited about starting and growing your business. Being healthy and well will enable you to be more creative and inspired and to grow your business in a sustainable way.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.beyournumberonecheerleader.com/
Podcast: https://anchor.fm/n-yourcareerasablackwoman
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyourno.1cheerleader/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ekuacant/

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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