Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jasmine Williams, Founder, and CEO of Jasmine Williams Media, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.

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

I'm the founder of Jasmine Williams Media, a boutique content marketing consultancy. I support a global roster of industry-leading companies and visionaries with done-for-you copywriting, content writing, and content strategy services. I'm also the founder of Click-worthy Creatives, an education hub and community for freelance creatives. Through my blog, newsletter, Facebook community, and course, I help creative professionals make their freelance dreams come true.

Tell us about yourself

I started my career working in content marketing, managing company blogs and social media accounts. However, I never felt like I really ever found my groove with corporate culture. I loved what I did but hated all the office politics. Finally, a few years in, it hit me that I could offer these services independently rather than work in-house. From there, I started doing a bit of research. I reached out to some friends and family to see if they needed content or social media support and eventually found enough clients that I was able to quit my job and dive into my business full-time.

What motivates me is helping my clients achieve their dreams. Many of my clients have gone on to build thriving businesses and develop successful personal brands, and I love that I get to be a part of their journey. Also, I've always loved writing and wanted to be a writer, so the fact that I get to make a good living doing what I'm most passionate about is a dream.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Launching my course, Click-worthy Creative Academy. Mentors have played a big role in my business success, so I love being able to help other creatives launch businesses and chase their dreams too.

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

I think for me, one of the hardest things has been taking care of my mental health. It can be tough to set and enforce boundaries with myself and others. There are also the high highs and low lows that come with running a business. You can land a dream client one day and then have to deal with a client who isn't paying you or treating you very well. It can be a lot to deal with, but now I really prioritize self-care and have built a community of fellow entrepreneurs to that I can reach out and find support.

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

  1. Do your research. You don't have to keep your cards super close to your chest. Talk to your friends and family, join entrepreneurial Facebook groups, and start learning as much as you can about the business you want to start.
  2. Give yourself a timeline to launch. Don't get too stuck in the research phase. You want to be prepared, but there are some lessons you will only learn once you start your business, so eventually, you just need to start. You will learn as you go.
  3. Plan to be a big deal. I know so many entrepreneurs are scared to invest in their businesses or their own development, but there comes the point where DIY-ing everything and using all the free apps will majorly slow you down. So make sure you make a proper budget for business expenses and charge accordingly!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I would love to add a subtle plug to my free resources for creative freelancers and business owners! I have many fun free tools to help creatives start building businesses they love: a Freelance Rate Calculator, Business Set-Up Checklist, and my weekly newsletter, Content Ketchup, which is like chicken soup for the freelance creative's soul. You can find them all here: https://jasminewilliams.ca/resources.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://jasminewilliams.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasminewilliamsmedia
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasminewilliamsmedia/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheJasWilliams
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasminewilliamsmedia/

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.

Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.