Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with LL Divens, Owner of Handmade & Beyond, located in Parrish, FL, USA.

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

I help other Etsy, and handmade sellers start, build, and grow their businesses. I provide support, community, and strategy through podcasts, free training, courses, live coaching, membership programs, and more!

Tell us about yourself

I worked in the corporate world for almost a decade and decided to start an Etsy business as a side hustle. I always wanted my own business. I went into it thinking that it would be really great if I could make a few hundred dollars a month. Honestly, at the time, that seemed impossible. After a few years under my belt, I started to take my Etsy business more seriously. That's when I began to see substantial growth. In 2018 it got to the point where I was making more than my corporate job. That's when I decided to "retire" from the corporate world and run my business full-time. I knew with all the extra hours I would get back, I could really make things move fast. And that's what happened. Three years in a row, I was able to crack six figures which blew my mind. During this phase, I decided to launch Handmade & Beyond, so I could start to help other sellers find the same type of success. I understood how hard it was to start a business in the beginning. I was alone and didn't have support, guidance, or a path to follow. But I now had those things and wanted to help other sellers so they didn't have to go through the same frustrating journey. I did a lot of coaching in the corporate world. With Handmade & Beyond, I could bring that back and use my best skillset to make a big impact in other business owners' lives. Seeing other entrepreneurs' successes and helping them every day really inspires me to keep going. There are not a lot of businesses where you can make the kind of positive impact I'm making, which is really special.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

This is very easy to answer. Helping others is my biggest accomplishment. I've seen many success stories from my students, which is so inspiring. Also, seeing their appreciation when I am there to keep them motivated, solve problems, and be the person they can count on. Starting a business is a scary and often lonely journey. I think this is the biggest reason why people quit. I want my students and audience to truly believe that if they never quit, they can never fail. Believing that is very empowering.

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

I have to say this would be imposter syndrome. It always creeps in. I sometimes feel that I'm not good enough, not smart enough, and not the right person to do this. I have to go back and remind myself of where I started and everything I have accomplished to get to this point. Just like negativity, I choose not to listen to it or hold me back. But I am also human, which sometimes makes this hard to do.

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

  1. You have to be passionate about what you're doing. If you're only in it for the money, that will most certainly lead to failure. Money is a benefit of having a successful business, but it should not be the number one reason you're doing it. Finding your "why" is essential to sustain you when times get tough and you're not making money. And believe me; this will probably happen.
  2. Consistency is key. Business owners that are working on their business every day and taking action will usually find success. That may take longer than they want, but consistency will lead to positive results. This may seem simple, but it's not easy. If you want to lose weight, you must be consistent with going to the gym and eating healthy. Many people never reach their weight loss goals because of this. Running a business is the same way.
  3. Compete with yourself. It is easy to compare yourself to others, especially in today's social media age. This person has a successful business and makes thousands, millions, etc. They have a nice car and house. They make it seem like making money is easy. All those things do nothing but put doubts in your own mind. While you can learn from competition and other business owners, you should not compare yourself to them. Your situation is probably different, and there are many variables at play that you have no idea about. You can't see what's below the iceberg, only what's on top, which is what they want you to see. How is your business growing from year to year? Are you improving? Are you taking action every day? Are you being consistent? Are you setting and meeting your own goals? That's what matters the most. It will be tempting to let others influence what you're doing, but you cannot allow it. Stay the course. Focus on your business. Improve every week, month, and year. This will get you to where you want to be.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.handmadeandbeyond.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/handmadeandbeyondpage
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/handmadeandbeyond/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ll-divens-48564aa4/

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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