Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal and business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sharn Atherton, founder of Futureful Ltd., located in Newark, GB, UK.

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

I am in the people development business! I specialize in working with high-achieving women and supporting them to change their mindset and remove self-doubt to enable them to have a career and life that gives them purpose.

Tell us about yourself

I took the big step to set up my own business in 2018. Running my own business had always been an ambition of mine and one I have come close to on a few occasions but had let the fear of the unknown, giving up the security of a regular salary, and having a supportive team around me prevent me from taking this significant step. Originally, I had intended to build the business around continuing to work. This became obvious that with a young family in tow, it was challenging to focus on everything in the way I wanted to. So, after a fantastic trip away with the family at Easter 2018, I decided that I needed to create the right balance for both the family and my career (my WHY). I decided to take that big, scary, exciting, and unknown step to become my own boss!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Taking the big leap to go it out on my own! Surviving the pandemic, my business fell off the cliff, and achieving my 'WHY' being there for my family while doing the work I love!

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

Juggling the different responsibilities. As well as delivering the work, I am the finance director, Head of business development & marketing, and the administrator. Being on the roller coaster, lots of highs and lows that come from the unexpected peaks and troughs in work.

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

  1. Spend time to really understand your 'WHY,' the purpose of setting up yourself. This really helps to reconnect you in those moments when things might not be going as planned.
  2. Have a clear plan of what you aim to achieve and goals that you can focus on in the short, medium, and long term.
  3. Create a network around yourself as working on your own can be a challenge, particularly if you are used to working as part of a team.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

While there have been highs and lows along the way, I am enjoying the journey and achieving my 'WHY.' Looking back to 2018, if there is one thing I would tell myself it would be, to be braver and not let the fear of the unknown get in the way.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.futureful.co.uk/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/futureful/

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.