Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Leah Forney, Founder of Purposely Faithfull, LLC, located in Waldorf, MD, USA.

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

Purposely Faithfull is my coaching and consulting firm. I started in business as an Author. I wrote and published my first book on April 1, 2017. I got comfortable in the writing space because of fear, but God called me to do more. I played it safe for a few years because I was afraid to truly step out and walk into who God had called me to be. God instructed me on a 21-day fast and prayer with 21 women during the pandemic regarding our business. During these 21 days, God began to show me what part of my business I needed to focus on my coaching business. Originally, I started out coaching women through the book writing process, but then I began to shift to focus more on how to teach women how to become their public relations person. In my experience, I have been successful at pitching myself to be multiple media platforms. Outside of Coaching & Consulting, I am also a Sexual Assault Thriver & Advocate. I have been working with two organizations that lend my voice and story of being a sexual assault survivor and how it took eight years to get justice with my rape kit. I made it my life's mission to speak up for others. I am also a filmmaker. I recently produced my first documentary on sexual assault survivors, specifically black and brown stories. I am also a transformative speaker. I have been blessed to speak at multiple summits and conferences and train law enforcement. I also have a podcast called Hey Queen, Thrive!

Tell us about yourself

My back story is that I was born to 2 addicts. My mother battled with drugs all my life, and my father was an alcoholic and in and out of prison. My maternal grandparents raised me. I was created in trauma. Trauma is all I knew growing up. As a young girl, I decided not to follow in my parent's footsteps but to be better than them. To be honest, I didn't really see myself as a business owner. For a long time, I played it safe. I have had a career in behavioral health for ten years. I have a master's degree in Marriage & Family Therapy. While playing it safe, God began to talk to me about starting a business. I had been comfortable just being an author and working in mental health. However, God was showing me that he was calling me for more. So, I took a leap of faith and started my coaching and consulting firm. I shifted my niche a few times, but my firm focuses on public relations and teaching my clients how to position themselves for media attention. My motivation comes from everyday life. I am inspired by the good, bad, and indifferent of life. I use a vision board that helps me remember my Why when I am feeling discouraged.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner was starting my business. So many people have dreams of doing things but let fear and doubt stand in their way. I used to be one of them. Taking a leap of faith and pushing past those fears, and doing it anyway helped me to realize that there is nothing I can't do. I live by the motto of what's the worst that can happen? Even if you think NO is the worst thing that can happen to you. Just look at "NO" as your Next Opportunity.

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

Not knowing your target audience. If I could do it all over again, I would've made sure that I understood who my audience was from day one. Your target audience is critical. They will help you determine the products and services they want and need. I spent so much time creating products and services that I wanted instead of asking my audience what did they want and need. Save yourself from spending your time, money, energy, and resources by knowing your target audience.

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

  1. Conduct Market Research: Make sure there is a need for the product and/or service that you want to offer.
  2. Know your audience: The riches are in your niche. Don't be afraid to keep niching down until you align with your audience.
  3. Show up: Most entrepreneurs are afraid to show up. The only way you can get in front of your audience is by showing up where they are.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Yes, my last piece of advice is to Do it Afraid. Stop letting fear keep you from creating the life and business you desire.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.leahmforney.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorleahmforney
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leah_m_forney/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/leahmforney
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-forney-3b089814/

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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