Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jen Williams, owner of Launch Your Travels, located in Port Coquitlam, BC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am the owner of Launch Your Travels. I teach novice solo travelers to take the plunge into traveling on their own with confidence through online courses.
Tell us about yourself
I started my business after traveling solo long term in my late 30s after being unhappy in my life. Throughout my travels, I had people constantly ask me how I did it and wonder if they could do it themselves. I wanted others to be able to experience the world and the amazing byproducts of solo travel: increased confidence, newfound empowerment, overcoming fears and meeting new people from around the world. I don't want people to feel they have to miss out on exploring the world because they feel they need to travel with others and don't when they don't have anyone to travel with. I get so excited seeing clients taking their first solo trip successfully and coming home with amazing travel stories.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment has been being asked to give talks and teach seminars about travel and travel photography at various travel events in North America and being asked to join the team of guest lecturers on board Crystal Cruises.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things for me has been doing everything myself. There is never enough time in a day to get everything done, which leads to long hours and no balance in my life. Learning how to manage this and being able to turn off my brain from my business has been a tough lesson and one I still work on.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Build your business budget with money dedicated to hiring out aspects you don't like to do. You may not be able to hire out for much at the beginning, but you will be very happy that you can take some of the workloads you don't like doing off your shoulders.
- Realize that you will be working a lot more on the business side of things rather than the fun things that made you want to start your business.
- Look for the area where you can start making money the quickest and work on that first. Then build out the rest of your plan while you have some money coming in, so it doesn't feel like you are working for free for so long.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.launchyourtravels.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/launchyourtravels
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenwilliamsphoto/
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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