Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Michelle Person, Founder of Just Like Me Presents, located in Beavercreek, OH, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Just Like Me Presents is a multimedia production and development company that stresses the importance of literacy, culturally relevant teaching materials, and active learning experiences. Our customers are parents and educators who are looking for more diverse and developmentally appropriate materials for their children.
Tell us about yourself
I have been an educator for over 20 years. I am a former Teach for America corps member, a KIPP alumnus, a principal, a children's author, a speaker, and a mom. When I began my career in education, my goal was simply to provide as many students as possible with a positive learning experience. I was lucky and had a strong elementary and middle school experience. When I got to college, I realized that most of my peers had vastly different experiences.
After spending over 20 years tirelessly for my students in a very broken system, I decided that I needed could have a larger impact working outside of the system and started Just Like Me Presents. My goals with JLM Presents are to create spaces and develop resources that increase access to culturally reflective teaching materials available to parents, teachers, and community groups.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I have written several children's books on my journey, so having my third book, Nathaniel English in Leaders of the Revolution, reach #1 on Amazon was quite an achievement. More recently, we have opened our first micro-school, The T.U.L.S.A.
Learning Center, where students and families are flourishing in intentionally small classes, working on developmentally appropriate curricula and celebrating the beautifulness of our diverse backgrounds.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
As a business owner, the hardest part is the constant grind. You are IT. You are marketing. You are HR. You are EVERYTHING. Days off are far few and between, but it is definitely worth it.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Keep your day job while you grow your hustle. At least for the first year. This will allow you to start small, perfect your product or service, and learn your new business.
- Don't be shy! Get business cards and actually give them to people. Look for free networking events in your area and attend. Chat people up. Exchange information. Build your support system.
- Be ready to pivot. If you don't, you might find that you and your great idea might go the way of Blockbuster. When I started, I only wrote children's books. The books turned into presentations, which turned into creating a curriculum for both adults and students, which ultimately turned into our school (where we feature the books I've written). If I had not been willing to pivot, I would not be where I am today.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.justlikemepresents.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justlikemepresents/videos/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justlikemepresents/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-person-6344962/
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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