Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Meagan Culkin, Owner of Magnolia Collective, located in Richmond, VA, USA.

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

We're an event planning and design company with teams in both NC and VA. While we focus primarily on weddings, we also offer corporate and social planning as well.

Tell us about yourself

I first started in events when I was a senior in high school and began working in country clubs. Over the last 15 years, I have worked in many different areas of the event industry, ranging anywhere from a bakery at a cupcake shop to a bridal shop concierge. The more involved I became in the different areas of the industry, the more I fell in love with it.

It's always very important for me to meet couples where they are in the planning process and to help them however we are able, and having a more diverse background allows me to be able to help them in that way.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

COVID was a huge hit on the wedding industry, and as a business owner who didn't have the support of a spouse to help her through that time, it was a particularly stressful time to ensure that we not only made it through that time but also were able to retain the jobs of our team members.

We were not only able to stay open, but in the last year, we were able to expand the business and open a second branch of the company in Richmond, VA, which was a huge accomplishment for me.

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

I'm sure it varies from person to person, but for me, it's any time we have to fire someone. I develop such a strong relationship with the members of our team, and it truly breaks my heart when we have to make the decision to part ways with them.

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

  1. Understand what your strengths are and focus on creating a brand image around them. Don't feel like you have to be a carbon copy of everyone else in the market that is selling or doing what you are doing-- they are not you!
  2. Delegate the tasks that you are not the best at. Whether you are creative and struggle with finances or vice versa, outsource tasks wherever you can use them so that you can form a cohesive brand that is consistent across the board. If people love your creative vision but it takes you ten days to respond to their emails, they will still ultimately not have a positive experience with you.
  3. You don't have to have everything perfect to get started; everyone starts somewhere! I started my first business with templated business cards and a free website on Wix. Don't ever compare yourself to people on the internet and for "one second" believe that they started where they are today. So just get out there and do it! You're going to be great.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.idomagnolia.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/magnolia.collective.co
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/magnoliacollective.co/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meagan-culkin-71498032/

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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