Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Shoni Alleyne, founder of Soulfully Written Production, located in Brooklyn, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Soulfully Written Production empowers women to confidently share their unique voices and stories with the world. Our services, including podcast editing, sound design, music production, and vocal coaching, provide the necessary tools and education for our clients to excel in a male-dominated industry.
Tell us about yourself
Imagine you’re driving down the street on a sunny day with your favorite song playing on the radio in your new car, and then boom! You’re hit by a truck, and the first thought that comes to your mind is, “I can’t lose my voice.” That was me. I’m a southern girl with big dreams of becoming a singer, but I didn’t have the confidence or the resources to start my journey. I started Soulfully Written Production to nurture and amplify the voices of women. I created my business to support the type of women I needed to hear from before I started my career in music.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I’m proud of our resilience and dedication to our community! Despite the uphill battle to build this business, quitting on it is never an option. Recently I interviewed a young girl to be a virtual assistant, and I could tell she was ambitious and just wanted someone to give her a chance to show what she could do. I saw myself in her. I hired her to help me for a few hours a week. I’m proud of giving a young woman of color a chance to learn and grow with the business. She deserved an opportunity.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things about being a business owner is maintaining a healthy work-life balance. This is even more challenging during the building stages. Your business is your baby. You must find the time to take care of it consistently. It can be a bit difficult when you’re also managing family and friendships. One thing I have learned is to keep a self-care day on my calendar every week. By scheduling my time, I am able to have a day to cook dinner, lay around and watch Netflix, or take a bubble bath.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
The first tip I would give someone who started a business is to make a plan. Plan for what you want your end goals to be and create a realistic plan with timelines.
The next tip I would provide is to be flexible because although you have a plan, you need to have a realistic approach. Sometimes you are required to change up “how” you make things happen if the “why” is still in effect.
Lastly, don’t give up. Just like Aaliyah said, “If, at first, you don’t succeed, dust yourself off and try again.” Every step counts.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://soulfullywrittenproduction.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulfullywrittenproduction
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulfullywrittenproduction/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamshoni
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamshoni/
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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