Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Stephanie Iraggi, Creator and Owner of Mama Shark, located in Durham, NC, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Mama Shark exists to improve the quality of your mom life by empowering you to live more on less, organize your chaos, and gain the time and energy to be the mom you want to be.
Tell us about yourself
Prior to having children, I was the founder, owner, and operator of a successful small business teaching children and adults how to swim. When I was pregnant with my firstborn, I made the decision to become a stay-at-home mom- and it was quite the transition! My life became busy in so many different ways than it ever had been before. During those early days as a new mom, I felt like my identity had become mostly "Mama." Having my daughter (and later my son, too) brought me so much joy- but I felt like I lost a piece of myself in the process. The overwhelm was real, the chores seemed endless, and I missed having my own business.
As the days and years went on, I realized that owning a business and managing a home and family actually have a lot in common. As a mom, I was carrying just as many (actually a lot MORE) responsibilities than I did when I owned my own company. And just like in a small business, there was a need to figure out how to run things more efficiently. Instead of allowing myself to be overwhelmed by the day-to-day tasks, I realized I needed to learn to do my daily mom life more effectively- and I'm now on a mission to figure out ways to do mom life smarter, faster, cheaper, and easier... and to share what I find with YOU!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is building a business in the small moments around being a full-time stay-at-home and homeschooling mom - it's no easy feat to find ways to get things done when life is so full.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
That everything rides on me. If I don't get it done, it doesn't happen, so prioritizing and balancing with the rest of life's demands can be a real challenge!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Know what your audience needs - then sell that. Don't start with a product and assume people will want it.
- Networking is essential. Marketing in the digital age requires collaboration and cooperation with others in similar businesses.
- Get and stay organized; otherwise, you'll spend all your time trying to find things instead of achieving your vision.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.mamashark.blog/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mamasharkblog
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mama_shark_blogs/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MamaShark20
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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