Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Katherine Hill, Founder of KL Co, located in Colorado Springs, CO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a choreographer and performance specialist for elite figure skaters and international film, television, and stage productions. My customers are figure skaters with competitive ambitions and organizations producing entertainment on ice (i.e., Cirque do Soleil, CBC's Battle of the Blades, etc.). When not on the ice, I provide learning experiences for corporate teams around the creative process and innovation.
Tell us about yourself
I was a competitive figure skater as a kid but quickly realized I enjoyed creating the routines as opposed to performing them. I studied dance and business as an undergrad at Northwestern University and was recruited into management consulting straight out of school. After two years of traveling as a management consultant, I decided to pursue choreography full-time because I couldn't sit still behind the desk and knew I would forever regret not "going for it." Basically, I thought I had valid creative ideas to contribute and something different to offer. I couldn't try.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
After my partner and I finished choreographing for a feature film, I was able to say my work had been featured in international television, stage, and film productions. The diversity of those mediums, I have to admit, was a defining moment in my career. But, aside from tangible items on the resume - I am probably most proud of learning how to weather the highs and lows of running a business. I learned to laugh instead of cry, stay grateful for my support team (family and friends), and separate my identity from the successes and failures of the business.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The highs and lows. One day you've landed the dream project/client/customer, and the next, you feel like you barely have a job (or revenue stream) while you watch your peers land formal promotions at work. Starting and owning a business is a rollercoaster of emotions.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Start now! But don't quit your day job until you've proven you have a viable product/service people want and will pay for. If you are only dreaming and not doing - do not take a big risk. Begin honing your skills, practicing, and failing with low stakes before diving all in.
- Do what differentiates you and/or your product. Know, in your soul, why your service or product is fundamentally better than the competitors.
- Ask for help, advice, and feedback ASAP. Don't waste time feeling around in the dark on your own. If you are protective of your service or product, you'll lose out on valuable insight from others.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.khill.co/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/khill_co/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-hill-ab60b415/
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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