Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Angela Rakis, founder of Favorite Daughter, LLC., located in Silver Spring, MD, USA.

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

Officially, I provide business development and marketing guidance to organizations of all sizes. I tend to work with small or mid-size companies and emerging brands. Many CEOs and entrepreneurs have called me their "second brain." Being an independent business owner can be lonely. I see my role as a facilitator, someone who helps them with the next steps when they feel stuck.

Tell us about yourself

I like to say that there isn't a career ladder, more of a career jungle gym. There are so many twists and turns! I come from a family of Greek immigrant entrepreneurs - I'm a first-generation American. My father was a contractor; my grandparents owned one of the only Greek markets in DC.

I never thought growing up that I would be back in food, but that's what happened. After graduating from NC State University, I moved to New York City to pursue a career in advertising. I was laid off and decided to attend culinary school - studying Pastry Arts at the French Culinary Institute (Now the International Culinary Center). I was able to take my love of food and my business experience to join Whole Foods Market as head of marketing. All of these experiences provided a foundation for mentorship and a love of working with small businesses.

What motivates me daily is seeing my client's excitement and passions come to life. I get excited to hear about products, retailers, restaurants, and that fills me up. I'm a connector by nature - it is one of m secret powers! I love connecting people, projects, resources.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

As a business owner, there have been a few. The biggest is probably helping a client grow her business so that her product is available at all Whole Foods across the country. Another accomplishment is seeing many of my women-owned clients find success.

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

One of the hardest things is being alone - I often miss having a team! To fill this void, I teach part-time. I teach at an all-girls high school. The coursework is based on Hospitality & Tourism. It gives me an opportunity to work with young women as they embark on college and careers. You asked for one, but another challenge is letting go. As business owners, we must ask for help and take it!

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

  1. Take the time to work on your purpose, mission, values - having this foundation will serve you well in the future. Whenever you have a tough decision, you go back to those values.
  2. MBA types will get upset with me, but don't worry about the ending, the goals. Of course, dream and plan for what you want. But it's much more important to worry about the very next step. Take the small steps - they lead you in the right direction.
  3. Build a community - other business leaders, colleagues. I host a group consulting program called Front Burner designed to create a cohort that helps each other. Community is critical.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

While business ownership has challenges, the rewards are really worth it. Your talents are needed in the world - whether you're selling a product, providing a service, or pursuing a creative passion. You are doing it in your way.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.favoritedaughterllc.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FavoriteDaughterLLC
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angrakis/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelarakis/

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.