Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Emily Bertrand, Owner of Royale Equestrian Centre & Royale Ranch, located in Ottawa, ON, Canada.

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

Royale Equestrian Centre was started in 2007; since then, we have grown and expanded to add a second location, the Royale Ranch! We specialize in teaching people of all ages, from 4+ through to adults, how to care for and ride horses. Through a wide variety of fun programs, our students connect with the horses and gain more than just equestrian knowledge and skill. It provides them with a much-needed outlet where they can escape the daily grind, unwind, disconnect from the outside world and just dive into all the many benefits horses bring into their lives. The immense benefit of learning how to work with the horses and care for them builds confidence and self-awareness and teaches valuable life lessons that extend beyond time spent with the horses and at the barn. It's an incredible sport and passion for getting involved in that touches the lives of many.

Tell us about yourself

I have been riding since I was just four years old. I had my first pony ride, and from that day forward, I was hooked for life. I was a painfully shy child, had low self-esteem, and struggled in school. Horses helped me immensely and got me through the challenging times, especially the teen years. Horses taught me to work ethic, how to develop connections, helped me build confidence, how problem solve, manage emotions, and how to better communicate, and learn how to be a kind and fair leader. It provided me with such a positive outlet; it has truly made me who I am today. They have helped me to become someone who is resilient, empathetic, and confident. Every day I am inspired by our hard-working team and all the riders who come to our farm that appreciate the many benefits horses bring into their lives. It's a dream come true to be able to share my passion for horses with others and to have such a positive impact on so many people. I'm grateful for our hard-working team who share in my vision and love to give back and help others.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My greatest accomplishment is not one I take all the credit for. It's been a team effort from the start, thanks to my family and so many amazing people who have blessed our lives and believe in what I am trying to build and create from horse owners, staff, friends, volunteers, coaches, students, maintenance teams, vet and farrier. It's all-encompassing. The greatest accomplishment has been to be where we are at today. We have overcome all odds. There were so many hurdles and challenges. Many reasons to quit and not keep going. Yet here we are with a thriving and growing equine facility that brings so much joy to the lives of others, and we are now starting a second location. We have exceeded all of my expectations, and we are continuing to still learn, grow and get better. We will never stop making forward progress. That's the most exciting part!

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

You have to wear many hats. The first 5 - 7 years are the most challenging as they really are the years that break you or make you. You have to have an unwavering passion and vision for the future and be willing to sacrifice a lot for your business. You will eat, sleep, and breathe your business, and that can really take a toll on you. So dive in, but only if you are truly willing to do all the hard things no one else wants to do.

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

To start, make sure you can provide a top product or service, do your research, and then just dive right in 110% full steam ahead. Be prepared to make A LOT of costly mistakes, and be ready to learn a lot of lessons the hard way. But the mistakes and hard lessons are what will propel you forward. Never listen to the naysayers. If it's your dream, go for it. Just remember it won't work out exactly how you envision it in your mind, so be open and prepared for changes and possibilities. It may go in a slightly different direction than your plan, and that can be a good thing. Be open to change and ready to take lots of calculated risks.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Make decisions each day that benefit your goals, plans, and dreams. Dive in, follow your heart, and never give up on what excites you, even when it's hard. You need to suffer through the challenges and changes, so just make sure that what you choose to suffer through is getting you closer to your dream and what sets your soul on fire!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.royaleequestriancentre.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/royale.centre/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/royaleequestriancentre/

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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