Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Valerie V. Liddell, Founder of Grind + Growth, located in St. Louis, MO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Through education, Grind + Growth works to eliminate poverty and improve the financial stability of children and their families. By providing resources and tools, Grind + Growth helps low-income families and underserved groups achieve financial stability and mental health. Through our comprehensive programs, we empower community members to make positive and lasting changes to alleviate systemic inequities that lead to poverty. Grind + Growth offers a variety of FREE education programs, including financial literacy and entrepreneurship, job readiness training, workforce development programs, and an after-school program for our families that provides children with a safe environment after school between the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Tell us about yourself
I became a divorced single mother in January 2010 and struggled to make ends meet for my three-year-old son. Throughout the years, we lived in poverty, and I earned a low wage. I wanted more for my son and didn’t want him to endure poverty any longer. I began my entrepreneurial journey in 2015 for a chance to change the trajectory of our lives. However, after three failed businesses, I began to feel defeated and wanted to give up on the dream of becoming a business owner and financially stable. I continued to work hard, did not give up, and eventually created a better life for my son and me and founded Grind + Growth to prevent others from going through similar difficulties. Since then, I have made it my mission to empower people, break poverty cycles, increase their economic mobility, and experience financial freedom.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is being able to help entrepreneurs that look like me successfully start, grow, and manage their businesses. It is essential to give back, and I have made it my mission to empower people, break poverty cycles, increase their economic mobility, and experience financial freedom.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The most challenging thing about being a business owner is always believing in yourself and your product or service. Entrepreneurs will get discharged along the way, but the key to long-term success is to stay optimistic, consistent, dedicated, and committed to your vision. You will have many critics, and people will love giving you their opinions on how you can do things better. You can listen to people’s unwarranted advice or continue with what you know is best for your business through proper market research, mentorship, and education. Ultimately, just stay true to your purpose, vision, and mission.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be sure that this is indeed what you want to do because entrepreneurship is not easy. It’s a lot of hard work and dedication.
- Do your research. Conduct a market analysis and research to ensure that you have a viable business idea.
- Take classes or training. Get educated on properly starting, running, and managing a business. This is crucial if you want to have a sustainable and successful business.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.grindplusgrowth.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grindplusgrowth/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grindplusgrowth/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/grind_growth
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grind-growth/
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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