Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Erin Van Engen, Owner of Koalaty Sleep Consulting, located in Chicago, IL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I own Koalaty Sleep Consulting and work with tired parents of children of all ages- from newborns to 10 years old. We work together to establish healthy sleep habits, get into good routines and schedules and teach the child to fall asleep independently throughout the night and naps.
Tell us about yourself
I've been working with children since high school and came to know the importance of sleep - for behavior, health, and development. I experienced kids who slept easily and children who fought going to bed. Being a person who needs her full night's sleep, I wanted to help parents get their sleep back as well. So I trained to become a sleep consultant, and I want everyone, parents and kids, to get the sleep they need to properly function in their daily lives!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is pushing myself out of my comfort zone. As an introvert, I'm not used to putting myself out there, advertising for myself, or promoting myself. But I've learned so much and gained so much confidence in myself and my abilities.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing about being a business owner for me has been learning how to be a business owner. I didn't have any business background, so every part of running a business was new. I've learned to update and edit my website, run ads on Google or Yelp, integrate different software and apps to automate processes, market myself, and perfect a sales pitch.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Surround yourself with a great support system - people who can cheer you on, and also some might have skills you don't have and be able to help you out.
- Don't be afraid to ask for help - you might do better if you delegate some parts of running your business to someone else.
- Schedule everything - have a planner and set times to do each of your tasks, so you don't get distracted with other to-dos. You have a lot on your plate as a business owner, and it's easy to bounce between projects and not get things finished.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://koalatysleepconsulting.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/koalaty.sleep.consulting/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/koalaty.sleep.consulting/
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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