Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in visual arts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Robert Kaczmark, CEO of Spirit Juice Studios, located in Alsip, IL, USA.

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

Spirit Juice Studios is an Emmy award-winning production firm that specializes in passionate storytelling, documentary filmmaking, and digital content for Catholic clients.

Tell us about yourself

I started out by creating short videos on my own that was just for fun. Eventually, organizations took notice, and one in particular even wanted to hire me to work for them. It was then that I recognized that there are many Catholic organizations that need help in creating high-quality multimedia content, so I decided to start a business that serves the larger faith community. My Catholic faith is the most important thing in my life, and so being able to create videos that promote the great work of the Church keeps me motivated each day.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I have never missed a payroll in over 15 years, with 30 staff and growing.

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

COVID-19 was probably the most difficult thing I have endured in my career as a business owner. Between the loss of business, health restrictions, and divisive opinions about how we should operate during COVID, it was a true challenge to keep the company together.

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

  1. Patience - It takes time to build a business. Be patient with yourself and the process, and don’t expect anything to happen overnight.
  2. Hard Work - No matter what you might have heard, there is no secret to success. Building a business takes a lot of time and a lot of hard work.
  3. Let Go - Once your business starts to grow and you are bringing others on to take on responsibilities that you once did, you must learn to let go. “To Grow, You Gotta Let Go.”

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.spiritjuicestudios.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robkaczmark
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robkaczmark/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/robkaczmark
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robkaczmark/

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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