Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Karen Cleveland of Guiding Star Outreach, located in Snohomish, WA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is teaching people mind, body, and spiritual practices to change their life. My customer is typically anyone that has found they are not living the life they dreamed of, usually people that have realized in a mid or late career that they are unhappy or not inspired to use their full potential and are looking for a way to change that to find happiness and meaning in their lives.
Tell us about yourself
My personal struggle of barely living from paycheck to paycheck and then putting the practices to use that I was being taught at the time to turn my life around. Within a year, I bought my own home, made a bucket list trip on safari, met my husband, and so many great things since then, including quitting an unsatisfying job and starting my own business.
I love that every day, I get to see the changes in people's lives, and on my podcast, I get to interview superstars that also help change people's lives. It's a lot of fun, and I feel like the luckiest person ever!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Firstly I have to say having the guts to start my business and quit my 9 to 5 that was monumental for me. Next is launching my podcast! It is the most fun!
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The state paperwork. I wasn't prepared for everything that is required to be in business, and it's been a big learning process. I've had my share of late filings while learning to navigate this.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be sure you're starting the "right" business, don't do it just to make money. Do it because you like doing it. That will save you grief in the long run.
- As early as possible secure someone knowledgeable to help with the paperwork, so you stay on top of everything financially and legally.
- Continually reassess what works, what you love, and what you don't love. Turn over what is needed, but you don't love someone else to do it.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: http://revkarencleveland.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RevKarenCleveland
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/revkarencleveland/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RevKarenC
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/revkarencleveland/
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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