Interested in starting your entrepreneurial journey but not sure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Minna Taylor - Founder and CEO of Energize Your Voice - based in Brooklyn, NY, USA.

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

I work with innovation, startup, and creative organizations to empower confidence in their people through tools for storytelling, public speaking, and leadership fundamentals. In my private practice, I work with leaders and founders to increase confidence in communication, find authenticity in sharing their voice and create impact through compelling narratives for thought leadership. All of my work is grounded in the principles of play and acting techniques.

Tell us about yourself

I started as an actress. After completing my MFA in performance, I started coaching accent reduction and presentation skills to corporate clients as a side gig to support my acting. I gradually got asked to coach more and eventually lead workshops around presentation skills, leveraging improv and acting. I realized that I felt so much more fulfilled in my work as a coach and trainer than I ever did as an actress, so in 2014 I left acting to run my company full time. Witnessing the impact I can have on my clients is a daily reminder that I made the best decision to be led by my purpose and live in alignment with my values of equity and empowerment.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

As so many companies closed their doors during the pandemic, we redoubled our efforts to empower confidence in our community. We introduced our corporate gift program called B1G1, where every program purchased by a corporate partner results in gifted training to one of our nonprofit partners. The impact data demonstrates the social, political, and economic power and allows us to democratize access to high-quality professional development sincerely. On a personal note, I have just completed the first draft manuscript of my book "The Confident Body: a functional approach to unlocking your full potential," set for release in May 2022.

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

Sometimes I feel like a lonely island. I have an incredible team, but all decisions are ultimately mine. It can feel like a lot to carry and sustain. The success or failure ends with me. That's a huge responsibility, and there are other livelihoods at stake. It motivates me, but it's a lot to carry alone.

What are the top 3 tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. With so much constantly shifting in this post-pandemic landscape, you will never identify the right idea at the right time. Just start experimenting and see how your ecosystem responds. Needs are murky, so start offering solutions that inspire you that will hopefully inspire others!
  2. Don't be discouraged or intimidated by the success of others. You are you, not them. Concentrate on what you can control, which is just showing up every day and doing what is necessary to accomplish your vision.
  3. Clarify the WHY before the WHAT. In moments of challenge, the value and mission of your work will not only sustain you emotionally and psychologically, but it will also be the necessary calibration tool when you innovate, pivot, or encounter challenging decisions.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

You are your greatest ally. Build a community of advocates, but no one will stand for your success more than you. Invest in that relationship first.

Where can people find you and your business?

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/minnataylor_eyv/
https://www.instagram.com/energizeyourvoice/

Website:
https://www.energizeyourvoice.net/
https://www.minnataylor.com/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.