Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Calley Bliss, Founder of Entertainment Jill, located in Bloomington, MN, USA.

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

I'm a voice-over artist who LOVES working with other small businesses and brands to take the mystery out of great content that actually grabs their customers by the eyes and ears and tells a story true to the dream of why they started their business.

Tell us about yourself

I started my career as a professional vocalist at age 19. Though I enjoyed performing and writing music immensely, I suffered from body dysmorphia, and my mental and physical health began to suffer under the pressures of live performance and less-than-sustainable practices that come with working at parties and late nights. I decided to pivot towards something more sustainable, but since voice-over is so hard to break into, I decided to contract for small businesses in marketing and sales for a few years to really understand the inner workings of small businesses and the challenges they face in reaching customers.

Now I get to combine my passion and experience to help small businesses step into the often daunting world of advertising content and make something that is fun, true to their brand, and that they can be proud to display on their website and socials.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Working with larger brands like General Mills and the YMCA is definitely a thrill as a performer. But equally, I love starting at square one with a brand to form a strategy and a script and build a piece of content that really packs a punch. Helping get the city of Minneapolis to pass a $15 minimum wage was one of my proudest moments.

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

Squirrel! Need I say more?

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

Stay true to your passions, always be humble to learn, and don't be so humble that you undervalue your skills and expertise.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

A funny story: once I got pulled off stage, "shepherd's hook-style" from a show where we opened - and closed - for the B-52's. I was so caught up in the moment of the music and the show and the lights that I totally forgot my cue. Has nothing to do with my business now, other than to showcase that man do I love performing and connecting words to emotion and music! 😂

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://calleybliss.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/calleybliss
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calleybliss/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/calleybliss
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/calley-bliss/

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.

Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.