Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jennifer Nagel, Founder of Jennifer Nagel Brands, located in East Lansing, MI, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Jennifer Nagel Brands is a business with a big vision. At our core, we focus on connection, collaboration, and amplification of women in entrepreneurship. Success Revolution Society, a paid mastermind for females, femmes, and thems in the online space, is the hub of our work. We attract bold change-makers who see their business as an opportunity to make an impact in the world.
Tell us about yourself
I was taught at an early age that, to be successful, I had to be competitive and work hard. For 35 years of my life, I did just that. At a point where I had a big title, a big salary, and a big house, I felt empty. Despite "following the rules," I didn't love my life. So I changed it. I scared everyone in my family and left my six-figure job in higher education to start an online fitness coaching business. Being an online entrepreneur helped me redefine what success looked and felt like to me. I realized that instead of being in constant competition, I (and many of my online colleagues) were much happier and more successful when we worked together. So my vision became to challenge traditional teachings and focus on deep connection, bold authenticity, and equity + inclusion in my business. That's how the Success Revolution Society was born. I'm driven each day knowing that what I have created rejects the traditional, competitive way of doing business and creates a community where everyone can win.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment so far was having the courage to stop a high revenue-generating fitness coaching business to focus on creating Success Revolution Society. It took guts to "burn down" a successful offer and start again. But my vision for the community, connection, and collaboration lit me up like nothing ever had before. And because of that, I was able to attract my dream community members. Now in less than 6 months of its creation, Success Revolution Society is poised to grow exponentially in both membership and impact.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Being a business owner exposes every insecurity, trauma, and fear you could ever have about yourself. There were plenty of nights when I went to bed in tears, thinking that I wasn't enough. It's hard to admit that you have inner work to do. But it's a very important and necessary part of your business evolution. I have done far more personal development than business skill development.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Trust your gut. There will be coaches, gurus, and friends telling you what you SHOULD do, but only you know the perfect path for yourself.
- Be humble. No matter how many degrees you have or how many years you have worked, you will ALWAYS need to learn. The landscape is constantly changing, and you need to get comfortable with chaos and uncertainty. Make sure you are taking time for personal development and skill development.
- It's either a hell yes or hell no. Focus on what lights you up.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://jennifernagel.lpages.co/links/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/therealjennifernagel/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therealjennifernagel/
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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