Artist, Mother, Entrepreneur - Glenda Freeman
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Glenda Freeman, Founder of Glenda Freeman Enterprises, Inc., located in Dallas, TX, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
So, you know how some products and services just seem to go beyond the ordinary and really change us? Well, that's always been my belief, and it's what I strive for in everything I bring to market. Recently, I've created this lifestyle brand that's a blend of art, skincare, and meditation. It's meant to be a one-of-a-kind experience that anyone can enjoy, no matter their age, gender, or skin type. I'm pretty excited about it because it's pretty amazing to be able to cater to such a diverse audience! Plus, I also share insights on how I survived domestic violence, which has helped empower others too create positive changes in their own lives.
Tell us about yourself
I've always dreamed of being an artist since I was six years old. As I grew older, I faced many challenges, including surviving domestic violence during my marriage. Art became my sanctuary and helped me maintain my sanity during that difficult time. I've always had a goal to make a positive impact on people's lives with my art, and it's been a great source of healing for me.
I was actually born in Chonburi, Thailand, to an African American military father and a Thai mother. I grew up in both eastern and western cultures, and it hasn't always been easy to reconcile the two. However, my mother introduced me to Buddhism and breath meditation when I was 19 years old, and it has been a sanctuary for me ever since.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Oh, I've been lucky enough to be featured on some TV shows and in quite a few publications where I got to talk about my art and my life experiences. I really try to make art that stands out and has a real message behind it. One of the things I like to do is to use my art to share my own story of surviving domestic violence and to inspire others who are on a similar journey.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
As an artist and business owner, one of the toughest things I've experienced is finding a balance between my creative and business sides to run a successful career. You see, as an artist, it's essential to create unique and meaningful work that connects with my audience. This takes a lot of time and dedication. On the other hand, I also need to take care of the day-to-day operations of my business, such as marketing, sales, finances, and networking. It can be overwhelming to juggle both these aspects effectively and find the time and energy to do both justices.
Moreover, many artists struggle with self-promotion and selling their work, which can limit their financial success. It can be tough to put yourself out there and showcase your art to potential buyers. Ultimately, achieving a healthy balance between creativity and business skills is crucial for any artist who wants to establish a long-lasting and successful career.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Sure, I'd be happy to help! If you're looking to start, run, and grow a business, there are a few tips that I would recommend. Here are the top 3:
- Start with a solid business plan: Before you do anything else, you need to have a clear idea of what your business is all about. This means developing a business plan that outlines your goals, target market, competition, marketing strategy, financial projections, and more. This will help you stay focused and on track as you navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.
- Stay adaptable and flexible: The business landscape is constantly changing, and you need to be able to adapt to stay ahead of the curve. This means staying open to new ideas, pivoting when necessary, and being willing to take calculated risks. It's important to stay nimble and agile and not get too attached to any one way of doing things.
- Build a strong team: You can't do everything on your own, and having a strong team is essential for long-term success. This means hiring the right people, delegating effectively, and creating a positive and supportive work environment. Remember, your team is the backbone of your business, so it's important to invest in their growth and development as well.
I hope those tips are helpful!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://glendafreeman.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/G.FreemanArtistry
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glenda_g_freeman/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glenda-freeman-gfreeman-artistry/
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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