Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in content creation but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Edward Anassah, founder of Humble Beginning Stories, located in Nepean, ON, Canada.

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

I am the man behind Humble Beginning Stories, an INCLUSIVE ecosystem where inspirational and diverse stories are shared by ENTREPRENEURS & COMMUNITY INFLUENCERS whose stories haven't been heard. Engaging stories from various communities: First Nations, LGBTTTQQIAA, Minorities, Diaspora, and Person with a Disability, etc.

Tell us about yourself

I am the first generation in my family to ever pursue a University degree. I am not uneducated or unskilled. No one talks about community leaders, small businesses from social entrepreneurs, street hawkers, mama and papa stores, etc. And most of all, their journey meaning their Cinderella stories from a grassroots level that is relatable for everyone. The burning desire to start Humble Beginning Stories has been lingering around for more than ten years! The idea is to acknowledge the grassroots community leaders, entrepreneurs, and startups who no one pretty much knows anything about – musicians, woodworkers, wedding planners, fashion designers, actors, actresses, farmers, artisans, etc.

I always had the inner drive and appreciation for different cultures and their social impact on society and the economy. I have always thought about how I can make a difference in Ghana and my surrounding community. I am honored to be part of the multicultural trendsetters in my community and abroad. Throughout my travel, I concluded that it is entrepreneurship that has allowed the West to establish a superior economic system. I understood quite quickly that the West is built on the dream of substantial wealth, governing laws, technology, and entrepreneurship. I spent most of my early years learning from local business owners, parents, strangers, Godparents, schools, sports organizations, the elderly (baby boomers), and business executives.

This has dramatically impacted my life, career path, or journey in a positive way – progressively. I yearn to add and extend myself beyond the glamour of sitting behind a desk or in my comfort zone instead of finding a niche where ideas, hard work, brainstorming, teamwork, collaboration, and implementation intersect anywhere I go.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

The core fundamental idea for HBS is to engage community leaders in different spaces in Africa, North & South America, Europe, and Asia (that is one of my end goals) - private and government sectors. Humble Beginning Stories - has a wide range of audiences globally and readership - I have been able to accomplish that.

EST: 2017: So far, we have more than 1000 unique and new visitors every two weeks.

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

Funding (currently, I am trying to raise funds to take this platform to the next level by offering Masterclasses and Podcasts) to customers or new readers.

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

  1. Research your targeted audience ( know a little about them).
  2. Do your due diligence regarding: what you are planning to offer to your stakeholders or market.
  3. User testing and user-centric is the new norm; don't forget that.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I am glad to be giving back to my community. However, my family played a massive role in my life growing up - especially my sister, dad, and mom. Even though I lost both parents (March and December 2020) - James and Comfort, their sacrifices and constant support have made me the man I am today. Therefore, I dedicate this ecosystem or platform( HBS) to them (appreciating all the WINS). Thank you for pushing me and teaching me to show or demonstrate GOODNESS or COMPASSION in everything I do. Living life and celebrating all my wins, and everyone close to me, and most of all, never allow anyone to take away my daily joy!!
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"YOU can't wait until life isn't hard anymore to be happy."
-by:#nightbirde (RIP)

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.hbeonline.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hbswow
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hbsblog/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/hbsux
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwardanassah/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.