Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dara Zycherman, owner of Less Equals More, located in Austin, TX, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Less Equals More is a bespoke minimalist lifestyle coaching and professional organizing service. Customers come to me when their current lifestyle and home are overwhelming. They recognize that their time and stuff are misaligned with who they are and what they want. Minimalism offers a doorway to simplify and get focused. My customers range from millennials who struggle with adulting to retirees adjusting to a slimmed down (and more digital!) lifestyle.
Tell us about yourself
For a dozen years, I worked at an environmental non-profit organization. I wanted to "save the planet." One day, I reflected on the quote I had pinned to my office wall, "Be the change you wish to see in the world." It suddenly had a new meaning. I wanted to teach people to implement the strategies and mindset I'd developed around minimalism, sustainability, personal finance, and mindfulness. I knew that it would help them feel more confident, free, and stress less, as it had for my family and friends.
Working on global issues was invigorating, but that scale didn't feel tangible. Engaging in a 1:1 service, in addition to the education I create, allowed me to marry many of my passions together at a scale that brings me closer to the people I want to support. Each day I know I'm helping people, and this moves us a tiny bit toward the world I want to live in.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
When a client tells me about a moment when they were going to take a non-minimalist action as they would have in the past and then pause, thinking, "What would Dara do?" And this leads them to make a better choice!
Also, delivering my TEDx Talk!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Since I am a solo business owner, I can get stuck in my own head or feel limited by disciplines I'm less skilled in. As my business grows, I hope to bring others in to widen my perspective and elevate the quality of my marketing strategies.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Love the thing you're bringing into the world more than the idea of being a business owner. Both are great, but being passionate about your product or service will keep you going and increase your value.
- Associate with other business owners to get feedback, exchange energy, and remain inspired.
- Take a minimalist approach. Keep it simple. Make sure you're clear on your goals and that everything you do clearly maps back to those goals.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I wake up each day feeling grateful I get to do what I love and have the autonomy that business ownership affords. I face obstacles but always remind myself of how lucky I am to be sharing my ideas with people who want to elevate their lives.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://whylessequalsmore.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whylessequalsmore
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whylessequalsmore/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darazycherman/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.