Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in fashion but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Laurel Kinney, CEO of Laurel Kinney Personal Styling, located in Austin, TX, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I'm a personal stylist for people who want their personality and their values reflected in the clothes they wear. More specifically, I help people of all genders, shapes, and lifestyles name and embody their authentic style, mindfully shop for sustainably & ethically made clothes, and then create styled outfits they can wear across all the various contexts of their lives.
Tell us about yourself
When I began my career, I was a recovering social worker, hoping to meld my creative side with my interest in listening to people's stories and helping them feel better. I was able to create a business that centers around helping people name the stuff they like about themselves out loud, gets them to be a little more in touch with themselves, and it's wonderful to watch that happen...so I think that helps me to get out of bed each day.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Building a strong, like-minded community of clients, friends, and colleagues who support my business enough to the point where I can stop the constant grind and relax a little.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Stopping the constant grind and relaxing a little, haha. Asking for help, being consistent, and following through on ideas even when they don't have an immediate reward. Oops, that was more than one. Being concise!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don't expect it to happen overnight, be ready to work and keep working.
- Ask for help! If there's anyone who has built a similar business and can help save you time on any part of the process that doesn't feel quite right to you, definitely hire a mentor if you can.
- Get comfortable with the uncertainty of not knowing where all your money is coming from all the time.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://laurelkinney.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurel_kinney/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/laurel_kinney
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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