Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Zena Obebe, Founder, and CEO of Hill Redaction Services, located in Atlanta, GA, USA.

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

Hill Redaction Services (HRS) is a full-service document redaction service. We specialize in document de-identification within the legal industry; our unique module allows us to accommodate so many other industries such as financial institutions, healthcare, and government agencies. Hill Redaction Services fills the gap in the legal industry by providing a resolution to a much-needed issue many firms struggle with. Our redaction services help firms save payroll costs by taking the redaction process from their paralegals' workflow and hiring HRS for those redaction needs. Hill Redaction Services is a woman-led business, and we support other women-led businesses and female entrepreneurs in their business development journey.

Tell us about yourself

My name is Zena Obebe and I’m the CEO & Founder of Hill Redaction Services. I was born and raised in England, UK but I’ve lived in Unites States for a few years now. From a very young age, I've always had an interest in entrepreneurship. While working as a paralegal I would constantly hear about impacts missed redactions have on the firm. I noticed a large part of my workload was redacting, and there was so much time taken away from drafting motions and e-filing because we had to redact. Then it hit me - the legal industry needs a document redaction service dedicated to maintaining compliance, security, and accuracy so their paralegals and legal assistants can focus on their actual tasks. From that moment, I started researching & developing the idea into a business module. Through this journey, I’ve been able to create my dream job. When I’m having one of those rough days or if I'm exhausted beyond what I can bear, my vision for my business and my love for what I do motivates me to push through every difficult moment.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is by far surviving an international pandemic. The pandemic was an unprecedented event that no one had prepared for. No textbook, no tutorial, and no one can advise you through it - it was literally taking action and sink or swim. I'm proud we were able to weather the storm and come out on the other end a bigger and stronger company.

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

There are many challenges with being a business owner; the hardest one for me is having an off switch. I'm literally always working on developing the business. This impacts my work-life balance. I'm a wife and mum to two amazing little boys. My oldest is five, and the youngest is nine months, and my boys need my time. I find myself feeling torn between getting that quality time with my kids and constantly working. It's a take-away item for me that I'm working on - I'm getting better but finding that balance is a challenge.

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

My top three tips are, firstly, start a business doing something you are good at and then harness that skill-set and develop it. More often than not, if you are good at it, you are going to enjoy developing it. When you love what you do - it's never a chore. Secondly, there is no shortcut. You have to put in the hard work. There is no growth if you don't dedicate yourself to doing the hard work. Third, network and make connections with people that are doing what you do, people that share a similar mindset, and people that have accomplished what you want to achieve. You can't develop your business on an island - you are going to need to hear other opinions and ideas. Also, you can avoid re-inventing the wheel when chatting with like-minded business owners.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Owning a business is not for the faint of heart. There are no set 9-5 hours; as a business owner, you work 24/7, but it's also so rewarding seeing your vision become a reality and being able to provide a service that businesses really need. Being the solution to a problem and filling the gap is a special thing. If you have an interest in Entrepreneurship, go for it! You will never regret it!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://hillredact.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hillredact
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillredact/

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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