Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kaleigh McBride, co-founder of Live Free Diving, located in Palm Beach Shores, FL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My company is Live Free Diving, and our saying is "free up your mind and enjoy life below the surface" or, in short, "freedom underwater."
Our main focus with the company is on sustainability, adventure, and education. I teach all levels of people, from complete beginners who just want an introduction to the underwater world to advanced and professional-level diving courses.
My goal is to help open your eyes to the incredible joy and benefits that the underwater world has to offer. Whether that's snorkeling for the first time, freediving, scuba diving, mermaiding, or immersive retreats, we offer something for everyone! Whatever your interest or skill level, I got you covered!
Tell us about yourself
I've been a dive professional for over ten years now. I started as a scuba instructor at 20 years old and eventually became a Freediving Instructor and am now a Freedive Instructor Trainer. For as long as I can remember, I've always loved traveling and being in the water. This inspired me to become a dive instructor, which allows you to have the best of both worlds! I think what got me started working on my business was the idea that I could have the freedom and flexibility to travel to new places and be on my own schedule. This is definitely a huge motivation for me, but I think my biggest motivation is the fact that I can create a positive impact in this world and on other people. Diving has truly changed my life for the better and has influenced my overall well-being. I want to introduce people to the wonderful benefits of diving and the underwater world.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Right now, I would say it's the fact that we are ready to grow our team! My partner and I are both fully supported by our company, and now we have enough volume to where we need help. Another big accomplishment as a business owner (and instructor) is that I'm seeing past students fully blossom and grow into becoming instructors themselves and wanting to start their own businesses.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Learning how to turn off business hours. When you work for yourself, there's always something to do, and when you work from home, it's hard to stop working! One thing I've been recently practicing is scheduling more time for rest and self-care.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Start now! - It doesn't have to be perfect in the beginning. More importantly, you get the ball rolling and just start! If you're always waiting for the "right time," then months or years will go by, or that time may never come. The great thing about starting off slow is that you can evolve together with your business. I definitely wish I had started my own business sooner!
- Trust the process & trust in yourself - This is probably the most important. If you have a gut feeling about a business idea, trust your intuition. There are a lot of people out there who won't understand what you're doing and tell you all the reasons why your business idea "won't work." Don't listen! If you truly believe in what you're doing and your purpose for starting this business is for a reason bigger than yourself, you will succeed!
- Work hard and don't give up - When you own your own business, be prepared to wear all the hats and expect to work hard! However, when you do what you love, it doesn't seem like work. Owning your own business is also one of the most rewarding things you will ever do. I like to think of my business as my baby. The more hard work and love I put into it, the more I see it grow and evolve. Sometimes things get tough, but just know that you can work through it, and the rewards are so much greater! Remember why you started in the first place.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://livefreediving.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/livefreediving
Instagram(Personal): https://www.instagram.com/underseakeke/
Instagram(Company): https://www.instagram.com/livefreediving/
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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