Unleash Ideas, Empower Decisions

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Camila Kaul, Founder of Just a Squiggle, located in Lahaina, HI, USA.

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

Just a Squiggle, led by me, helps organizations transform the way they approach problems, come up with new ideas, and make better decisions.

Tell us about yourself

I truly believe that what defines you in life is not what you do but what you LOVE doing. I LOVE creating new things, helping others find fresh ideas, solving problems in original ways, and making a difference in the world while we do these things. You know what they say, "necessity is the mother of invention." And boy, has necessity been a busy momma lately! With the world constantly changing and evolving, it's more important than ever for people and organizations to flex their creative muscles and come up with new and innovative solutions to keep up and change the world. That's what I love about creativity in business – it's all about taking risks, breaking the rules, and dreaming up big, bold ideas.

I have had the privilege of sharing my expertise in business creativity with audiences all over the world. With over 12 years of experience working globally at Google, I have helped top organizations tap into the limitless potential of their people and innovate their marketing. After graduating from some of the world's leading business schools, including Harvard, Kellogg, Wharton, and IE Business School, and working on innovation for more than 15 years, I am eager to share my insights and help others achieve their full potential. I believe that by unlocking the power of creativity in business, we can not only make a direct impact on the bottom line but also work towards building a brighter future.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Seeing firsthand how companies and teams I work with are transformed immediately after doing one of my business creativity workshops and ideas start flowing to create something unique and novel. Something that has never been thought of before. But most importantly, those people in that room collaborate better and are now more open to bringing new perspectives to the table.

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

Leaving the comfort of Google, a wonderful place with infinite access to information, resources, and teams to help, was a tough thing to do. Leaving the comfort zone is always tough and is especially harder when that place feels like home and the people you work with is family. Building something on your own, for you by you, is never easy, but it is the best bet for the future. For me, knowing I have the opportunity to create something, and to leave my own legacy, no matter how hard it is, is worth the risk.

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

Have your support network ready to go before you start your business. Make sure you have others that can help you as sounding boards, the sound of reason, buddies to talk to and help with mental health. It is a lonely place to start with if you don't surround yourself with people that lift you up.
Make sure you are creating a business that fits the life you want to lead. Is it giving you the flexibility, the hours, the commute, the time, the exposure, the visibility, and the space you need? Does it fit your personal needs like family, kids, etc.? You have the chance to design your own path and make it what you need, not what is expected.
Follow your own rainbow. A mentor of mine told me this once, Build something you want, not what is expected, not what others are doing, not what you are"supposed to do next." Be unapologetically you. Be an original piece, not a copy!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.justasquiggle.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justasquiggleaway/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justasquiggleaway/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/camilakaul/

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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