Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jen Fontanilla, Founder of Queen Up Life, located in Anaheim, CA, USA.

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

I'm a Certified Money Coach (CMC)®. I help creatives improve their relationship with money so they can make the money they deserve, feel fantastic about their financial decisions, and finally live their dreams full out.

Tell us about yourself

I started as a graphic designer and specialized in displays and packaging for the movie entertainment and video gaming industries almost 25 years ago. But about 17 years ago, I remember sitting in my office, thinking about my lucrative career. Still, I realized I didn't know much about what to do with my money, which really bothered me. I ended up becoming a financial advisor and loved the idea of helping others understand their money because we're taught none of this stuff in school.

However, in more recent years, I moved into a coaching role. I love helping creatives with their money mindset and understanding the subconscious patterns they're repeating that are getting in the way of making money. Ultimately, it's all about feeling unique about using our core genius and talent to thrive, make the money we deserve, and live a life we love.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

There are days when you sometimes run across that doubt in your mind, and that voice within creeps up. "Are you good at this?" Is anyone going to listen to you? "Does this help anyone?" And it sounds stupid, but we do it and judge ourselves. Then you do a podcast interview, and sometimes it's just hearing the "Wow."

That was amazing! "You're going to help so many of our listeners!" Or you help that client that you want to see win so badly, and they tell you, "Since working with you, I already feel better, and I can see the change, and I'm looking at money differently." "It feels excellent." Those words are confirmation that other people are going through transformations and having breakthroughs, and they remind me to stop the doubt and that voice that wants to rear its ugly head.

Knowing that you are helping someone make some significant changes in their life that affect so many things, from how they show up in the world, to helping them increase their confidence and own their decisions, to watching them embark on their entrepreneurial journey, and just increasing their self worth by taking action, is an incredible accomplishment for me, knowing that I was there to help support that.

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

Putting yourself out there and getting used to being uncomfortable, getting back up and out there when your product launch was a total flop. When no one signs up for a program, you are so sure it is going to be incredible. Two people show up at your event. It's dealing with rejection and sometimes uncertainty.

It can sometimes be the uncertainty of "When is this money going to come in?" It's riding this wave out and maintaining a strong mindset and staying in a high vibe frequency. A lot is managing your emotions and expectations throughout this journey and how you react to things when they don't go as planned. Welcome to entrepreneurship!

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

  1. There are so many, but based on my experience from what I have seen and advised others, it would be these.
  2. Start while you are still employed or have money coming in steadily, and do not quit your job immediately. It takes time to build the monthly revenue and income. If you jump ship too early, you might find yourself struggling financially, you'll get frustrated, bills will start piling up, credit cards are getting close to their limits (you get the picture), and you'll end up uttering the words, "I think I might have to go find another job." Time this properly and reach a point where your business can genuinely replace your job's income and have reserves if you have very lean months.
  3. Remember, taxes are inevitable. This is one of the most prominent mistakes entrepreneurs and contractors often make. They are 1099'ed and do not consider that no taxes have been deducted the way you're used to seeing them on your paycheck. You get a friendly letter from the IRS stating how much you owe, which is usually never fun to deal with.
  4. Work on your money mindset and self-mastery. You can have all the suitable systems, the latest programs and platforms and software, the fanciest logo, business cards, and a website. However, not working on your money mindset and self-mastery will always be that silent thing that you will be unaware of and can be the ultimate thing holding you back in many ways. Investing in yourself when it comes to reading self-improvement books, working with a mentor or coach, and understanding your money stories and subconscious patterns developed from childhood is essential. When you have an awareness of where those blocks stem from, you can choose to change them and become unstoppable.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.jenfontanilla.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenmoneycoach
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenmoneycoach/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenmoneycoach/

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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