Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Madeline Reeves, Founder of Fearless Foundry, located in Seattle, WA, USA.

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

Fearless Foundry is a creative consultancy that specializes in offering branding and digital marketing services. Our core customers have underestimated founders that are looking to grow their businesses through online avenues and often are building a professional services business or sustainably based product brand.

Tell us about yourself

I started working on my business while I was still navigating my corporate career because I was repeatedly being approached by friends and female founders that were looking for more support with their marketing. Over time, I found that I was more passionate about supporting small business owners with marketing than I was about my career in the tech world, and I ventured out on my own.

Today, I am motivated by the tangible impact I can see that our work creates for our clients. It's deeply meaningful to see that we make it possible for them to make a living doing what they love and that our work helps them grow to help more people and the planet.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Last year I was able to implement a 401k plan for our employees that was built around our company's core values. Being able to give back to our employees and encourage them to think about and invest in their financial future was a major milestone that I am still deeply proud of.

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

Navigating the unpredictability of the world and the market and how it can unexpectedly impact the bottom line of your business. As a business owner, you have no control over things like a pandemic or a recession, but you're going to have to figure out how to navigate whatever the circumstances of the world throw your way.

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

  1. Build a business plan & a financial forecast - because if your business isn't financially viable, it may make more sense as a hobby.
  2. Outsource the areas you aren't an expert on - find folks that you can trust to take on the business tasks that don't align with your zone of genius.
  3. Hire slowly and fire quickly - it can be hard to find the right people, but even harder if you hire the wrong ones.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.fearlessfoundry.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fearlessfoundry/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fearlessfoundry/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FearlessFoundry
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madelinefearless/

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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