Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal and business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lauren Perna, CEO of Lauren Perna Communications, located in Dedham, MA, USA.

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

Lauren Perna Communications is a Boston-based communications firm focusing on content strategy, content writing, and copywriting. We help life sciences, healthcare, and mental health companies tell their story.

In addition, our company is deeply committed to breaking the stigma behind mental illness, and we incorporate this passion into our business. We run the Mentally Fit Founder, a social media community for entrepreneurs, professionals, and anyone trying to stay mentally fit.

Tell us about yourself

After nearly a decade of growing with a non-profit organization, I decided to take a huge leap of faith and take some time off so I could determine the next steps. I consulted in marketing and communications for a few years, eventually formalizing my services into Lauren Perna Communications in 2020 (right in the middle of the pandemic!).

Since starting my business, we’ve made a name for ourselves as the go-to content and copywriting expert with a deep understanding of the life sciences industry. We're also known for our expertise in LinkedIn, helping companies and people maximize their visibility.

I am motivated by our clients and their stories. These companies are doing incredible work--discovering therapies for rare diseases, bringing awareness to global health issues, helping people struggling with mental health, and so many more inspiring missions. These stories need to be told, but it's not always easy when their content is scientific or technical. That's where we come in. We're passionate about telling these stories.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner has been starting my business in the middle of the pandemic and growing to six figures within the first full year in business.

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

For me, knowing my worth and trusting myself is one of the hardest things about being a business owner. I remind myself daily that I'm the expert and know what I'm doing. My anxiety tries to convince me otherwise, but I have developed the skills to quiet those inner thoughts.

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

  1. On the note of not knowing your worth, I would remind new entrepreneurs that this is a totally normal feeling. So many people struggle with knowing their worth, so it's OK if you feel like you don't belong, but just know that you do!
  2. Meet some entrepreneur friends. Joining entrepreneur groups and meeting fellow small business owners has been a game-changer for me.
  3. Invest in yourself. It can be scary when you're just starting out to put money into the business, but it's so important. When you learn, you earn.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

For anyone struggling with their mental health, remember--you are not alone. I'm always an email or a DM away to anyone who needs a friend. (I'm also always happy to chat about entrepreneurship, life sciences, or New England Patriots.)

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.laurenperna.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaurenPernaComms/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenpernacomms/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenpernacomms/

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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