Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sonali Nigam, Founder of Petminded, located in New York, NY, USA.

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

I run an online membership community called Petminded, which translates dog science research into tips and advice that dog parents can follow easily. We do so by offering events, courses, and an online forum.

Tell us about yourself

I started my business because of a personal need. My dog Ella is a rescue and came to us with past trauma. Learning about dog science research helped me understand Ella's psychology and how to help her. She is a much happier dog now, and I want other dog owners to have access to the same information.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

We host an annual online event called Dog Science Week each year. We have thousands of people join from all over the world. Folks stay up till 2 am in the morning to attend these Zoom sessions. This is a big accomplishment for me because I am a total nerd and have no background in marketing!

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

Juggling many things at the same time is hard. You can't stop thinking about the business, even on weekends.

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

  1. Talk to a few dozen potential customers to understand what their problems are before committing to a product or service.
  2. Don't be in love with your idea! Be open to change if the customer wants something else.
  3. Make self-care a priority. You should be psyched to run a business, not burned out.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.petminded.co/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petminded/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sonalinigamnyc

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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