Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in finance but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Catherine Valega, Founder of Green Bee Advisory, located in Winchester, MA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I have a financial services business focused on supporting breadwinner women, entrepreneurs, and corporate executives.
Tell us about yourself
I started my career on Wall Street (Lehman Brothers, if you remember that name - they brought down the entire financial system -oops). I was one of only a handful of women. Fast forward several decades - and I'm STILL one of a handful of women.
My industry is overrun with blowhards and jargon. That is coupled with the fact that, as a country, we do a terrible job teaching personal finance in high school or college. I'm dedicated to taking the scared and sick out of investing and planning. There is no shame involved. We work together from where you are and move forward to gather.
Women tend to invest more conservatively than men - and I'm out to change that. When we do invest aggressively, we invest in solutions that make the world a better place.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I love making connections for my clients. Of course, we chart their path together to achieve the goals they want -- but I get real joy when I can put them in touch with other smart, driven women who may be able to support them in non-financial ways -- such as giving them other ideas for their marketing plans, providing them with collaboration opportunities, etc.
Oh, and I would add my great relations with the press. I love working with reporters on their personal finance articles – helping them get that perfect sound bite – the more they can share the wealth of personal finance, the better off we'll all be!
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The loneliness of leadership – and knowing when/how to scale.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
It is HARD!
- You've got to commit - put your head down and do it.
- Also, realize your own strengths and weaknesses – and hire out when necessary. We can't do it all, nor should we. Focus on what you do best and enjoy the most, and develop a team to help with the other stuff.
- It goes without saying - but separate your business and personal finances from Day-1. That, and check out a book called, "Profit First," – which helps you figure out how much to pay yourself, how much to invest in your business, etc. It is a really great playbook for those starting out in business ownership.
You got this! PLUS – who wants to work for 'the man?' Not me.
You can connect with Catherine Valega:
Website: https://www.greenbeeadvisory.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/catherine.valega/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greenbcat/
X: https://twitter.com/GreenBeeAdvisor
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherinevalega/
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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