Be Civilized, Be an Animal

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jordan Aspen, Event Coordinator at Civilized Animal Productions, located in Kerrville, TX, USA.

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

We turn faceless followers into fast friends through intimate events, both virtual and in-person. In this digital era, especially post-2020, with all that entailed, online entrepreneurs are getting burnt out on social media, zoom, and distant-feeling digital interaction. We come alongside our clients to create intimate, relationship-building experiences that not only deepen their friendships with their followers but also inspire their followers to connect with each other.

Tell us about yourself

Way back when I was a teen, I caught the entrepreneurial vision. I started dreaming of running a business from home, contributing to the household income while bringing up my children. Today I’m living that dream and more! My husband Paul and I run our business together full-time and get to be a part of our three children’s lives, educating them at home.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I consider my biggest accomplishment as a business owner to be successfully running a business with my spouse. When we were dating, we were cautioned against committing to a relationship with another creative and visionary type. People warned us that without one of us maintaining a steady day job, our creative passions could spark an explosion. It’s true that working so closely can be explosive, but an explosion doesn’t have to be damaging! An explosion can also be directed in order to provide energy for forward motion. That’s what we have done with our creative energy: created explosions that lead to productive movement and growth for ourselves and our clients.

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

One of the hardest things about both myself and my husband being entrepreneurial is the lack of understanding from our families and community. Most of the people we grew up with can’t wrap their minds around many of the decisions we make and the lifestyle we have chosen. As a result, we have to build a whole new community. We even decided to move to a brand new town in order to be in closer proximity to other entrepreneurs. It’s amazing to have friends who not only understand and support our lifestyle but live a similar life themselves! It was hard to get to this place where we were finally able to build this kind of in-person community, but it was so worth the effort.

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

Do it. Start. Take one step. You’ll figure it out from there.
Invest in relationships, not just with potential clients and customers but with your whole network. Start hanging out with entrepreneurs who share your vision. That might look like joining groups online, curating your social media feeds, attending conferences and events, or even moving to a whole new neighborhood as we did.
Find a small, in-person event to attend that promises the kind of transformation you want to see in your life. Maybe a retreat or a workshop. The more immersive the experience, the more powerful the transformation will be. The right change of pace for even a few days can act like a portal, letting you step into a new life.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.asktheaspens.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jordanelizabethaspen
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/askjordanaspen/

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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