Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kathryn Anderson, owner of Coffee and Mascara Travel Blog, located in Vancouver, BC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a Travel and Wellness Expert who contributes articles to a variety of publications as well as on my travel blog, Coffee & Mascara. As a freelance writer, I share travel stories and tips to inspire others to explore the world. Most recently, I have begun offering travel and wellness services that include Wellness Travel planning calls with clients who are looking for guidance on how to travel in a healthier way. I provide coaching calls and assist them with how to navigate the food options while away, as well as how to incorporate fitness into their travels. I arm them with the tools they need to enjoy their trips while maintaining a healthy, balanced lifestyle.
My services go beyond these coaching calls and can also include personalized daily text reminders, tips, post-vacation debriefing, and more. It is possible to have fun, fulfilling, relaxing, and adventurous vacations without derailing your health or fitness goals. Let me show you how!
Tell us about yourself
I was introduced to travel at a very young age. My father was a Vice-Principal, and my mother was a Teacher, and we would always travel together as a family during school breaks. From the age of two, I was an avid traveller, and I will always thank my parents for that.
When I was 21 years old, my father passed away. I took a semester off of University to clear my head by backpacking around Australia for three months. When I returned home, I took up boxing and used martial arts as an outlet for my anger. It was through therapy, travel, and fitness I became whole again.
Fitness has always been a huge part of my life, and I have always loved sharing how to live a healthy and fulfilling life with others. Prior to becoming a Travel Writer, I worked as a Certified Fitness Instructor and taught fitness classes for over 12 years. I also worked as a Marketing Manager within the natural health foods industry. At one point, I even owned and ran my own vitamin and supplement store. Teaching fitness was one way to share my love of living a healthy and balanced lifestyle, but when I discovered that I could combine my love of travel with that of living a healthy and active lifestyle, that was when I discovered my real passion. From that, my business was born.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment was taking the leap of faith to work for myself. And to become a travel writer and blogger. It's scary going out on your own, but it's worth it. Having Condé Nast Traveler include me in a round-up article remains my favourite press mention to date. Most recently, I became a Board Member for IFWTWA (International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association) as their Social Media Director.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Separating work life from home life is a constant struggle that I still deal with today. I love my home office and feel blessed that I am able to work from home, but that doesn't come without its challenges. Living where you work, or rather working where you live, inherently comes with blurred lines.
Shutting down my computer and turning off social media notifications have really helped me to separate my work time. Some nights I end up working late, but then the next day, I'll take a longer lunch and head to the gym. No two days are the same, and I love that aspect of being my own boss.
Finding balance when you work for yourself can be a challenge, but I love the freedom that comes with setting my own hours.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Just start! Forget about waiting for the right time or feeling ready. If you wait, you'll never end up taking the leap of faith to start your own business. My number one piece of advice is to simply start taking action towards your goals today.
- Learn from those who have gone before you. My life is in a constant state of growth. I purchase courses and have a mentor who guides me. As long as you are always learning and growing, you can serve others with your knowledge.
- Lean on your support system and ask for help. Running your own business can be lonely if you don't reach out to others, so don't be afraid to do so. Network with people in your industry, grab a coffee with another entrepreneur friend, and delegate tasks when you're feeling overwhelmed. Owning your own business does not mean doing everything by yourself.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://coffeeandmascara.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coffeeandmascara.org
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/misskatanderson/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MissKatAnderson
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/misskatanderson/
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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