Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sally Velazquez, Founder of Empower Business Management, Inc., located in Los Angeles, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Empower Business Management is a boutique business management firm in Los Angeles for entertainers, musicians, songwriters, and social media influencers in the entertainment industry. We support clients in making the best personal and professional financial decisions for their future. We are a goal-oriented, hands-on business management firm. We respect and support our people, which includes our clients, staff, and colleagues. We are team players and want what's best for our team. Using a goal-oriented approach, we make sure to empower our people by educating them on their business, helping them to make informed decisions, and supporting their vision.
Tell us about yourself
After getting my license to practice law, I realized that I prefer to work in the area of tax. I found my calling working in business management because I loved being able to utilize my tax law knowledge combined with my finance skills to help people. I took the risk 7 years ago and started my own firm and have had success building my business and team and working with amazing people. I also enjoy giving back to my community. I am currently on the board of two of my client's non-profit organizations and recently joined the board of another non-profit organization, We Are R.I.S.E. Inc. These organizations have different purposes, such as promoting female empowerment, anti-bullying and shaming, and financial literacy.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I am honored that I get to work for amazing, talented, and successful individuals. I appreciate the team I developed at Empower because they are just as passionate about our clients as I am. I learned that work doesn't feel like work when you enjoy what you do and who you work with.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Learning to build boundaries between work and my personal life. When I started my firm, it was hard for me to say no to people, and I was constantly "on" 24/7. Now, I manage my time and set hard boundaries on what I am willing to give and when. For example, I am not a morning person (don't try to talk to me before I had my coffee). I used to take calls in the morning but hated it. Now, I do not take any calls before 11 am unless it's an emergency. Something this small has made a tremendous impact on my day.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be passionate about what you do, meaning try to avoid taking on work just for a paycheck. It won't be worth it in the long run.
- Be consistent. Don't stop putting in the time and effort just because you started to hit some of your goals.
- Not every day will be a good day. Don't let the bad days win.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.empowerbm.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/empowerbm
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sallytvelazquez/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sallytvelazquez
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sallytvelazquez/
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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