Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kimberly Reed-Rodriguez, Founder of Poeta Goddess, located in Pittsburg, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am an illustrator and writer whose work focuses on creating illustrations and writings that help remind us of our magic and potential. I sell art prints, calendars, and stickers via my online shop.
Tell us about yourself
I first began "Poeta Goddess" as a need for self-healing and a reminder of who I am. As a first-generation Indigenous Mexican Woman, so much was formulated as I got older. Much of that formulation was ideals and concepts that were not created by me but by a system that taught me who I "must" be, not who I wanted to be. When I created "Poeta Goddess," I made it a mission to create and share content that would allow people to remember who they are, not who they are told they must be. I am constantly motivated by the vast community who resonate with my work, as well as Mother Nature, my biggest teacher yet.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
For me, simply creating is an accomplishment for which I am fondly grateful to have the opportunity to do so as a business owner. I get to share meaningful and intentional messages and illustrations that get to reach thousands of people to let them know how valuable and meaningful their lives are. If a business's sole mission isn't to inspire and invoke happiness in a person's life, then I am unsure what success is. My business is also part of my artistic goals, and a great artistic goal of mine that ties to my business has been to be published as an illustrator, which has now come true. I have now illustrated several book covers, such as "Tarot for Pregnancy- A Companion for Radical Magical Birthing Folks" by Brittany Carmona-Hold and also "Brujas - The Magic and Power of Witches of Color" by Lorraine Monteagut, which can be found wherever books are sold.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Being a business owner isn't all glamour and working "whenever you want." Being a business owner means you wear many hats, work 80+ hours a week and often forget to take breaks because you simply love what you do and so "work" doesn't seem much like work. There are many instances where I have to remind myself to slow down, take breaks and trust the process, as I am only one person and can only handle so much at a time.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
The three tips I would give anyone looking to start, run and grow a business would be to stay true to yourself. Never try to be or replicate another business. You can most certainly be inspired by another business, but sharing and creating a business with its own mission and identity goes beyond measure and is something that clients honor. Another tip I would share would be to always be honest. I value the clients I've worked with throughout the years and the friendships I've made through my business. Always carrying forth with honesty and integrity has been key to my business growth. And lastly, it is to trust the process. If you are like me and often get lost in your thoughts and spend too much time second-guessing, then know that sometimes you won't know the answer or be able to tackle everything you had in mind because that is just what comes with being a business owner. Sometimes the best thing we can do is trust the process that all will unfold as it should.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.poetagoddess.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poetagoddess/
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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