Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Olessia Lapina, Founder of Lapina Consulting Human Resources, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Today, my business covers both sides of talent. The first helps businesses that are currently struggling with human resources (retention, employee relations, policies, onboarding, employer branding, etc.) or recruitment - most small businesses cannot afford to bring someone on a full-time, and at times even large companies need someone outside of their team with deeper expertise. That's where I come in.
I help businesses with a strategic approach to solving any people issue they may have. The other side of my business focuses on job seekers. When I was looking for a job, there was no one to help me navigate the process, and it left me feeling frustrated from rejection, demotivated to apply to jobs, and I lost out on compensation because I did not negotiate my offers.
Today, I help people do just that - structure an amazing resume to get you noticed, prepare you for interviews to ensure you are confident and ready, and help you negotiate the best possible deal when it comes time to sign that offer. My business focuses on all sides of my passion- bringing people and companies together for mutual growth.
Tell us about yourself
I have worked in human resources for over ten years, starting in a small grocery company and moving on to companies like Tiffany & Co, Accor Hotels (Fairmont), and Benefit Cosmetics, part of LVMH.
What I have learned from these companies is that HR and Recruitment can drive business if done the right way, and what drives me every day is the opportunity to bring that to companies that may not have the ability to hire full-scale HR teams to navigate a strategic approach to their people.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I am proud of the network that I have built and how my business has evolved in the short time that it has been live. Starting this business has really put me outside of my comfort zone and taught me that I could do it. I can do it all (with the help of amazing professionals who are experts in their field).
I am looking forward to growing and evolving further, bringing new solutions to my clients to help them with their retention, recruitment, employee relations, and all other HR concerns.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest part of owning your business is learning from personal experience and not the experience of an entire team. For this reason, I engage consultants and colleagues on a regular basis and ensure to prioritize my development and knowledge in my field. When you are a business owner- it's just you and the team you create around you.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don't be afraid - you can do it, people need it, and there is room for you.
- Network, network, network.
- Always do your best. You only get one chance.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.lapinaconsulting.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olessia_lapina/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olessia-lapina-00473363/
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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