Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in freelancing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ayo Thomas, CEO of Galore Creative Group, located in Charlotte, NC, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Galore Creative is the leading woman-owned staffing and recruitment agency positioning diverse talent to become a driving force that changes the way the world works in creative, information technology, and marketing communities.
Our customers are leaders seeking to hire diverse creative and tech teams through contractual, direct hiring, and executive search services. We are the place where Creative Brilliance and Tech Innovation Collide.
Tell us about yourself
I love this question!
My name is Ayo Thomas, and I am the Creative Executive Officer of Galore Creative Staffing! Now before I share my journey into the staffing industry, let me give you a little bit of background about my creative experience. In 2016, I launched an online digital publication WOE Magazine (Women Own Excellence.) During that time, I was also working as a full-time HR professional with over 14 years of experience in the private and public sectors. As the founder/editor-in-chief of WOE Magazine, I provided many creative opportunities to work on projects stemming from creative direction of photo shoots, writing articles, online editing, make-up artists, photographers, and more. It felt good to know that I had a platform to help creatives grow and evolve.
In 2020, we lost a lot of ad funding and sponsorships during the pandemic and could not recover. I decided to merge my HR experience and creative expertise to launch GCS to provide diverse creative professionals job opportunities to lend their genius and receive the compensation they deserve!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is joining the Microsoft AMPD mentoring program as a diversity supplier. This opportunity opened the door for us to now serve Microsoft as a client, which was one of the major tech companies on my business vision board. Also, we just moved into a new office space right in the heart of Uptown Charlotte, so I am super excited about the growth in 2023!
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
I believe one of the hardest things about being a business owner is keeping up with technology trends in the market to keep your business relevant. I am not saying you have to change every time a new trend emerges, but technology is so pivotal to our success. We must keep up with proper systems to help our business continue to grow and excel.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Drill down your niche market! Get a clear picture of who you are serving and your target customer. Do not try to swim in multiple ponds but become a master in one pond. You will see your business grow very quickly.
- Get legal eyes on your contracts. I totally understand that majority of small business owners have to bootstrap their businesses. I did the same. However, in some things, you can't cut corners, so try to invest in areas of your business that may cost you later. Or you connect with the SBA in your city to assist you with finding free legal services locally. I was blessed to be selected into a legal program geared toward helping small business owners in the City of Charlotte. A group of attorneys was assigned to review and revise all of my contracts pro bono.
- Stay true to your why! It is not easy running a business, and you will want to give up many times. Keep your WHY close by! It will serve as a reminder of why you started in the first place and the many people you impact by showing up each and every day!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.galorecreativestaffing.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/galorecreatives/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/galorestaffing/
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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