Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kristin Beale, an author, and public speaker, based in Maidens, VA, USA.

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

I'm an author, comic strip artist, and public speaker. Three of my books are non-fiction, written for young adult to adult-aged men and women. My fourth book, coming out later this year, is a fiction written for the same audience.

Tell us about yourself

I didn't realize my love and talent for writing until my sophomore year of high school. The summer before that school year, I was involved in a Jet Ski accident that killed the driver of my ski and left me paralyzed from the mid-torso down. I did some traveling for rehab, then returned to school mid-year and looked for an "easy A." I enrolled in a creative writing class, wrote my first story for an assignment, and found my passion. These days, I was able to translate my love of writing into a career. I'm a full-time author, and I truly love every day with my work. Writing is a way of expressing myself, sharing what I know, and telling stories to people around the world.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is my opportunity to reach more people and share my story. Through my in-person events and public speaking, I can connect to my readers on a deeper level, and I've had that opportunity many times.

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

Conversely, my most significant obstacle is reaching new people to share my work with. I'm always looking for opportunities to get myself "out there." It's a never-ending job, but this is what I signed up for! I can and do have fun with it.

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

  1. Network! People know people, and you never know who you're connected to until you ask.
  2. Pay attention to your needs. I've had my business for seven years, and I still love every day in it. I take breaks, follow my gut, and moderate my workload to save myself from Burnout.
  3. Keep at it. Some days might feel slow, especially at the beginning. Write down your vision for your company to use as a reminder on the days when you're not feeling motivated. Keeping yourself grounded and your eyes on your goals will push your business closer to what you want it to be.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Entrepreneurship can be tough at times, but it's also the best thing I've done for myself. Freedom both in my workday and in the content I create and where makes the long nights and large frustrations worth it, one hundred times over.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.kristinbeale.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristinbeale
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristin.gupta/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinbeale/

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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