Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Angie Ravenel, Owner of Excel Continuing Education, located in Charleston, SC, USA.

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

Excel Continuing Education. People who are interested in furthering their careers and individuals that want to learn how to create digital assets. Create a winning online course is Excel's newest course. This 14-module course will teach you how to create your very own online course, no matter your niche.

Tell us about yourself

I first start Excel Continuing Education for individuals who are in the beauty industry and need to renew their professional licenses. In order to do so, they would need continuing educational hours. I love when individuals are able to use my site with ease to further their careers.

To be able to create and offer a platform for the masses is astonishing. I also have my online hair care products, ARAVENEL products. Now being sold on Amazon. I was a salon owner for 25 years. I am also an author, instructor, and photographer, to name a few of my accolades.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I have several beings though I own other businesses. I will focus on Excel. Being recognized as the top online course provider by consumers in my region. I also feel accomplished when growing the business.

That can consist of adding more courses, gaining more customers, growing my email list, and constantly making my site more and more user-friendly. I pride myself on that.

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

It doesn't stop. You never really have a day off. You may not be doing a physical task; however, your brain, thoughts, and ideas never stop.

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

  1. Gain your customer's or potential customer's trust. People will not do business with you if they don't trust you.
  2. Always be available and responsive to your customers' wants, complaints, and or inquiries. Great customer service skills will never fail you.
  3. Be willing to take on criticism. I know this can be hard. Believe it or not, this is how you will scale your business. Also, before releasing your business, have a panel to evaluate it. Make certain that this panel of friends, family, and/or associates is trustworthy and has your best interests in mind. This comes in the form of a tasting or showing. Sometimes you have to give a little to get a little. Be sure to have your questionnaire ready!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.excelcontinuingeducation.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/excelcontinuingeducation
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/excelcontinuingeducation/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AngieRavenel
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angie-ravenel-58233b75/

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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