Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in martial arts, but not sure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Paul Napoli, the founder of Five Star Martial Arts, a martial arts teacher based in Syracuse, US.

Tell us all about your business...

We are in the business of changing lives. Whether through our martial arts schools or fitness facilities, we are on a mission to be positive in people's lives.

What's your background and motivation to grow as a business owner?

I'm a 39-year-old family man focused on living every day to the fullest. What first got me started in my business was my love for martial arts and teaching. I realized quickly that if done right, being a martial arts teacher/ school owner, I could teach so much more than just kicking and punching. From there, my team and I made it our mission to inspire as many people in this world as possible to live life to the fullest and be positive in the world.

As an entrepreneur, what does success ultimately mean to you?

That's a tough one as I feel there have been many significant accomplishments. Being open for nearly 12 years now, we have been a part of so many life-changing moments. We have had adults lose hundreds of pounds, be taken off their medications, and become healthier...we've seen kids who didn't have the confidence to ride the bus become confident enough to perform in front of hundreds on stage. The stories of lives changed for the good through Five Star are endless.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being an entrepreneur?

In the beginning, I'd say there are two tremendous obstacles...

Money and Time

For the first few years of running the business, I had no work/family balance. It was business 24/7, literally. It took years to get it to a place where I could have the right balance, and it certainly wasn't easy. Even still, it's not like a 9-5 where you punch out when your shift is over and forget about it. It consumes your every hour mentally.

Money almost always seems to be a hurdle as a small business. Once you feel like you are finally getting ahead, there is an unexpected bill that comes up. Growth costs, upkeep costs, staff costs, so on and so on....the amount of accounts associated with running a small business seems endless.

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

Find something you're passionate about. Even with the couple of hurdles I mentioned in the last question, I wouldn't change my life for the world. There is something extraordinary about being your boss, but I genuinely believe it's because I love what I do.

Next, I'd say make sure there is a market for your passion. Whether it solves a problem or brings joy to people, it is convinced it's something that people will pay for. If it's a passion with no market, it's going to be hard to survive.

Finally, I would say don't be afraid to delegate. Your business will be your baby....you will do anything for it and work tirelessly to help it succeed. Balance is so essential, and being the owner allows you freedoms that you otherwise wouldn't have. This is only possible if you can delegate. Also, understand and accept that when you do trust, it will never be the same as if you do it, but you have to be okay with that and do your best to hire people that can see your vision and execute it.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Yeah, there is...

We get one chance on this earth, and it goes incredibly fast. Take time every day to think about all of the good You have. Make memories, don't take yourself so seriously, understand mistakes will happen, failures will happen. Learn from them and grow from them.

Live every single day like it could be your last. Look for the positive in every situation, and you'll be amazed at how much happier you'll be every single day.

Life is as good or bad as you allow it to be...take charge and love every second of it.

Where can people find you online?

www.fivestarkarate.com
https://www.instagram.com/fivestarmartialarts/
https://www.facebook.com/fivestarkarate

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as an entrepreneur or business coach 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.