Stop Hustling, Start Thriving

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lisa Cumes, Founder of Full Thrive, located in Arcadia, CA, USA.

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

Full Thrive Freelancers is a highly engaged community of freelance professionals ranging from copywriters, designers, web developers, accountants, VAs, and many more marketing specialists. We offer free training, paid courses, group coaching, elite coaching, masterminds, and retreats. We focus on building thriving businesses using Upwork as a main platform for leads.

Tell us about yourself

I started as a freelance Copywriter back in 2017 and built a 6-figure business on Upwork in my first 12 months. I doubled this in my second year and realized I could actually build a thriving, sustainable business (and still be a mom to 3 kids). I had other freelancers ask me how to build their own business and really leverage the Upwork freelance platform to find great clients, and my business was born, teaching, coaching, and inspiring others to find their potential.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I love hearing from freelancers who took the brave steps to really challenge their mindset and limiting beliefs and bet on themselves. I've had so many of the people I teach and coach gets to the point of quitting their 'full-time' job, allowing their partner to 'retire,' or knowing they will be able to pay for their kid's college because they followed the framework and found success.

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

Having patience. Knowing that the steps I'm taking will result in what I want, but knowing that I have to be patient and trust the process. It took three years for Full Thrive to finally turn a profit. The first year I lost money, the second year, I broke even. And in the 3rd year, I started to see the results. Too many people give up after one year when they don't see immediate results.

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

Make a plan, and then stick with it. (don't keep pivoting).
Stay disciplined to do small but important tasks every day.
Focus on a business you'd run for free, don't let the money be the driving force.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.fullthrive.co/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/fullthrive
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisacumes/

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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