Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Pearl Howie, founder of Pearl Escapes, located in Emsworth, SXW, UK.

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

Pearl Escapes! I created the business over 12 years ago to share the best things in life. I explored spas and massages, then travel and fitness, until the penny dropped that I was really helping people heal, feel alive, and get over their fear of success - whether success was fitness, travel, massage, or their own business.

Tell us about yourself

I was on a trip to Barcelona with my sister, and we started talking about business; then we went to a traditional hammam to have a massage, and that's when I realised that I wanted my business to be about sharing all these wonderful things, everything that brings joy, but that's taken me on a path to discovering why we resist joy. It's different things that motivate me each day. I'll be honest, the closer you get to your own true success, the harder it can feel, and the same is true for me. When I get closer to my childhood dreams, like recording my audiobooks, my ego fights really hard against me using my voice; that's when I use all the practices I've learned on my journey.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

It's really my body of work. I recently won an award and in the 'why,' the organisation commented on how I worked so hard to create books, audiobooks, video courses, live classes... to reach people where they are (although not geographically right now!) I do get furious at the lack of accessibility in our world when we don't take care of people with disabilities or expect the elderly to be able to use a smartphone, so I know at times I work too hard to be there for everyone in every way. I was the same when I taught fitness, but I'm also incredibly proud of having led the way in making fitness more accessible for people with diverse needs. After the last few years, more than ever, I feel that no one should be left behind or left out.

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

Prioritising. Do you spend time on R&D, knowing that it might be years before your work makes a profit? Do you spend time marketing? Do you spend time creating books or audiobooks, knowing that it will take most of your time for weeks or months? Do you work late to finish things or clock off early to go for a swim? Actually, the hardest thing is often letting go of the ideas or parts of your business that don't really work - do you just persevere, or are you throwing good time after bad?

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

  1. Enjoy it. That's the advice I'd give to myself. I was often so worried about keeping going that I didn't appreciate just how amazing what I was doing was.
  2. One step at a time. I don't think many people really know what they're building, and there are reasons we can't see too far ahead. I've achieved much more than I ever thought I would in my lifetime. It's been an absolutely thrilling ride, but so much of it would never have happened if I hadn't left space for the unexpected and taken chances and opportunities that seemed crazy to other people. It just felt right for me.
  3. Integrity vs. reputation. In this age of influencers and less than scrupulous politicians, it's easy to focus on style over substance, what things look like rather than what they are. Reputation is what people say about you. Your reputation can be smashed by dodgy reviewers and unhappy customers (most of whom want what you never offered them). It doesn't matter; reputation can be quite the illusion. Your integrity is real. I think this world tests you, and one day, when you look back, you'll either be proud of having done the right thing when it mattered, or you'll have regrets. When all is said and done, money and reputation come and go, but you are the one who has to live with yourself. Be a decent person to live with!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://pearlescapes.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pearl.howie1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pearlescapes/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PearlEscapes
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pearl-howie-42bb1b120/

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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