Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Melanie Curtin, a sex researcher, relationship coach, and an international speaker based in Los Angeles, CA, USA.

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

I help men and couples to have thriving relationships. As a sex & relationship coach, I work primarily with men who have sex with women and help them remove blocks or obstacles to having a thriving and magnificent sex and love life. I also work with a select number of couples, these are usually folks who want to ensure that their relationship is and remains vital, connected, and intimate.

Tell us about yourself

I started out working to stop sexual abuse. I was on the "pathology" side and realized that in order to actually make a safer world, we need to change the norms and culture around sex. We need a more open world in which it's safe to talk about sex and sexuality and in which we all feel more free to be ourselves and to be authentic and honest when it comes to sex and relationships. I'm motivated by the impact I see -- the ways my clients report having better, more uplifted lives because of our work. I love seeing men who've never had sex before (some in their 20s, 30s, or beyond) make that breakthrough or a couple that has felt disconnected or just "off" feel reconnected, or a man who has never had a healthy relationship before, remove blocks, and then get into the best relationship of his life thus far. I am inspired by the transformations of my clients and the way they're brave and lean into their edges.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment thus far is thriving as an entrepreneur. When I started my podcast, I had 400 downloads a month. Now that number is 40,000 and growing. I feel deeply inspired by the connections I've made with clients and the knowledge that who I am has made a concrete difference in people's lives.

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

As a solopreneur, I'd say a big challenge is loneliness. I crave connection with a team where I feel supported and backed up. Having people to celebrate with and accomplish things alongside is a goal of mine. I'd like to grow my business to the point where I have a solid team that I love.

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

  1. Find collaborators. I coach alongside my friend and colleague Jason Lange, and we have a lot of synergy. My podcast brings in clients, and he holds down the structure of our group coaching program.
  2. Done is better than perfect. You've got to just start and keep going. Starting my podcast was stressful because I was contending with perfectionism and "Will it be good enough?" You've got to just ship your art. You can't overthink it, or you'll never get started. Have faith that what you've got to share is good enough, and listen to the responses.
  3. Focus on service. Things get simpler when I ask myself the question, "What's actually going to help people?"

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.melaniecurtin.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melaniebcurtin/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melaniecurtin/

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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