Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Erin Scarlett, co-owner of The Fountainhead Network, located in Port Coquitlam, BC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
The Fountainhead Network Coworking & Media Space (TFN) is a 24/7, family-run coworking space that serves as a hub for local businesses and entrepreneurs.
I, Erin Scarlett, along with Roberta Scarlett and Mike Arboit, am dedicated to providing a unique space for members to grow their businesses, using their freedom of choice, voice, and views. We have created a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere where members can network and collaborate over coffee or beer. TFN has become a safe workspace for over 100 start-ups, entrepreneurs, and anyone who may not have an ideal workspace at home. Although the pandemic has greatly impacted the coworking industry, we at TFN have adapted by offering virtual support for mental health, marketing, education, and networking through our online platform and PoCommunity Podcast. We have showcased over 100 local businesses, start-ups, artists, and entrepreneurs in the Tri-Cities, and our determination and dedication to our members have led to our success. TFN has meeting rooms, a kitchen and lounge, a fully-equipped podcasting room, a green screen studio, and a film set.
Our welcoming and innovative atmosphere fosters creativity and inspires our members to network, trade skills, and promote one another. The Fountainhead Network has made lasting connections that will inspire our network to grow their business and create powerful content.
Tell us about yourself
I'm Erin, and I'm the co-founder of The Fountainhead Network Coworking and Media Space in Port Coquitlam, BC. My journey in the business world began in sales, where I excelled as a top sales representative in B2B. Through my work in sales, I discovered that one of my most cherished qualities was my ability to bring people together. I recognized the importance of collaboration and community in achieving success, and that's what led me to partner with my mother and husband to open TFN in 2019.
What motivates me each day is the opportunity to help other entrepreneurs and small business owners succeed. I'm passionate about creating a supportive and welcoming community where individuals can come together to collaborate, learn from one another, and access the resources they need to grow their businesses. I find it incredibly rewarding to see our members thrive and achieve their goals, knowing that we played a part in their success. I'm also motivated by the ever-changing nature of the business world. I believe that the key to success is adaptability and staying up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies. At TFN, we're constantly looking for new ways to support our members and help them stay ahead of the curve. Whether it's through offering virtual support during the pandemic or providing access to cutting-edge media resources, we're always looking for ways to innovate and improve.
Overall, I'm driven by a passion for community, collaboration, and entrepreneurship, and I'm excited to continue growing and evolving alongside our members at The Fountainhead Network.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
As a business owner, I believe that my biggest accomplishment is creating a thriving community at The Fountainhead Network Coworking and Media Space. Since we opened our doors in 2019, we've welcomed over 100 start-ups, entrepreneurs, and small business owners into our space, and we've seen firsthand the impact that our community has had on their success.
One of the most rewarding aspects of running TFN is seeing our members collaborate, learn from one another, and support each other in their business endeavors. It's incredibly gratifying to know that we've created a space where individuals can come together and achieve their goals and see the tangible results of their hard work and dedication. In addition to building a strong community, I'm also proud of the ways in which we've adapted and innovated in response to the challenges of the pandemic. By offering virtual support for mental health, marketing, education, and networking through our online platform and PoCommunity Podcast, we were able to continue supporting our members even when they couldn't be physically present in our space.
Overall, I believe that my biggest accomplishment as a business owner is creating a supportive and welcoming environment where entrepreneurs can thrive and finding new and innovative ways to support them in their success.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
As a business owner, one of the hardest things is the constant pressure to make decisions and take action. There are always a million things to do, and it can be difficult to prioritize and stay focused on what's most important. Whether it's managing finances, marketing, operations, or personnel, there's always something that requires attention and action. Another challenging aspect of being a business owner is the need to balance short-term needs with long-term goals. It's important to make decisions that will benefit the business in the long run, but sometimes that means making difficult choices that may have short-term consequences.
In addition, there's often a feeling of isolation that comes with being a business owner. It can be difficult to find people who understand the challenges and pressures of running a business, and there may be times when it feels like everything is on your shoulders. Despite these challenges, being a business owner can also be incredibly rewarding. Seeing the impact that you can have on your community and the success of your members makes it all worthwhile. By staying focused on our goals and finding ways to prioritize and manage our time effectively, we can overcome the challenges of being a business owner and continue to grow and evolve alongside our community at The Fountainhead Network Coworking and Media Space.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
As a business owner, here are my top 3 tips for anyone looking to start, run, and grow a business today:
- Be Passionate - It's important to be passionate about what you're doing. Starting and growing a business takes a lot of hard work and dedication, and it's much easier to stay motivated when you're doing something that you love. Make sure you're pursuing a business that aligns with your values and interests and that you're willing to put in the time and effort to make it successful.
- Stay Focused - When you're running a business, there are always a million things to do. It's important to stay focused on what's most important and avoid getting distracted by things that aren't essential to your success. Make a list of your top priorities and focus on those first. Don't be afraid to delegate tasks or outsource work that you don't have the time or expertise to handle on your own.
- Build a Support Network - Running a business can be isolating at times, so it's important to build a support network of people who understand what you're going through. This can include other entrepreneurs, mentors, coaches, or even family and friends. Having people who you can turn to for advice, support, or a listening ear can make all the difference in your success.
By following these tips, you can set yourself up for success as a business owner. Remember to stay passionate, focused, and connected to your support network, and you'll be well on your way to achieving your goals.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.thefountainheadnetwork.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefountainheadnetwork/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fountainheadnetwork/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TFNworkspace
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3S1MWKc
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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