Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Renee Haggins, Owner of Ren Ace Virtual Administrative Consulting, LLC, located in Jacksonville, FL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is Social Media Management, and I help overwhelmed small business owners market their goods/services on social media.
Tell us about yourself
My journey started as a way to gain financial freedom, so I could essentially afford to stay at home and care for our first baby, who will turn 4 in July. I started as a general Virtual Assistant but quickly niched down into Social Media Management because I found that I genuinely enjoyed creating content - creating eye-catching and beautiful graphics is at the top of that list.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment to date was being able to grow my business from a one-woman machine to a steady agency. I currently have 4 other incredible women (all moms) helping me care for our clients in a way that I would not have been able to do alone. Yes, being able to grow and gain more clients is an accomplishment, but my greatest achievement is being able to give work to other women who, too, crave financial freedom so they can stay at home and care for their littles as well.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Many things about being a business owner are hard, but the most challenging thing is balancing a growing business with a growing family. Right now, we only have one toddler, but as she has grown, she demands more attention which I can't always give her because I don't always want to work after she goes to bed.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
The top 3 pieces of advice I would give are less tangible and more a way to get your mind in the right place because without the right mindset being a business owner is going to be way harder than it already is.
The first piece of advice is to remember that things don't typically happen overnight. For some people, things happen faster than for others. Don't compare yourself to anyone else because you are the only person who has lived and will live in your shoes. Follow your own path, be patient, and be painfully aware of your own weaknesses and strengths and how all of them could play into your personal imposter.
The second piece of advice is that you can't forget that you'll need to work hard. There will be plenty of sleepless nights, personal development, courses, training, readings, meditation, and more. You'll also find that if you find yourself extra overworked, tired, short-tempered, scared, or anxious, it probably means that you're growing either as a person, as a business, or both. Don't be afraid of the hard times; embrace them, work through them, and enjoy the other side whenever you get there - because it could take a while to find a good rhythm to a new change. When it's time to work, don't play.
The third piece of advice is don't forget to take care of yourself, especially during tough times like the aforementioned advice. Be sure to regularly schedule some time to focus on yourself in any way that makes the most sense to you. Whether it's watching your favorite show, cooking a big meal, going for a walk, going to the beach, painting or drawing a picture, spending quality time with loved ones, going out dancing, singing, playing games, reading, sleeping, baking, or taking a vacation. Whatever it is, make time to do it regularly and be sure to leave the work at home. No phone calls, no emails, no texts, no messages, or DM's, no orders. When it's time to play, don't work.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.renacevac.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RenAceVAC/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reneeacevac/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ren-ace-vac/
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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