Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in web design but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Katie Harrington, Founder of Rebel + Rise, located in Mission, KS, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Rebel and Rise is a Showit development and support agency. We help designers and entrepreneurs focus on their zones of genius by taking Showit development, design, support, and other tasks off their plate. We also have an educational side, offering a comprehensive Showit course.
Tell us about yourself
I worked in the music industry for a long time after college and got really burnt out from working long hours with little pay. I had a degree in graphic design and started to look for other ways to make money when I found Showit. I started small, helping a few designers build their sites in the web platform, and have only grown from there. Today, we are a mighty team of 5 that works day in and day out to support Showit designers and users with whatever they need.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Growing a team. I never thought I would be more than a 'solopreneur.' It has been such a joy growing and getting to know my team, watching them succeed and gain even more skills. It also makes an online business a little less lonely!
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
I always tell people it's a different kind of stress than when you work for someone else because you're responsible for everything. If sales slow down, there are people that still need to get paid, and work is not always guaranteed. There are high highs and low lows, but the freedom and flexibility to be my own boss makes it worth it.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Research, research, research. Market research is so important, so when you do enter into the market, you are in line with the industry standards in regards to pricing, packages, etc. At least in service-based businesses like ours. You also want to make sure that you stand out from the crowd, and seeing what 'everyone else is doing' is a good way to see what NOT to do.
- Save up some extra cash. I didn't quit my full-time job until I had three months of expenses saved up. And that wasn't a lot. I was determined to make it work, though, and when you have that mentality, it always helps.
- Don't be afraid to ask questions! I love mentoring people, and I wish I had asked more questions of people I look up to. It never hurts to ask!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://rebelandrise.co/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebelandrise.co
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebelandrise.co/
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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