Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in entertainment but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Stephanie Sutton, Creator of The Tin Lady, located in Atlanta, GA, USA.

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

My business is in the street performing for the people within the metro areas/community. I go by the name "The Tin Lady" some call me Statue Lady or the Robot, but others know me as Lady Krow. I also started a platform for women in the street and Hip hop culture as well who practice any of the elements of hip-hop from Djing, MCing, Dance, graff writing, etc. I don't want to call them "customers." they are my audience, and I entertain them for a purpose, whether it is to make their day as the tin lady. But with L.O.T.U.S Collective, I want girls to be inspired and look up to the ladies in the group as someone they can be inspired by to want to become.

Tell us about yourself

The Tin Lady, I wanted to pay homage to those who street performed before me with my work while showing at art shows with my artwork as each piece represented women of the culture posing in dance positions. I wanted not just to be the artist handing out cards while showing my work; I wanted to do something a little different at the time and present myself as art with my artwork. I later decided to take it to the streets and perform for the public out of curiosity about the responses from the people of Atlanta. Next thing you know, my journey of street performing has begun.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

While performing at an event (Yeek Fest), A little girl approached me and asked me so many questions, from "Did you paint yourself?" to "Why are you so shiny?" or, the best part, "I want to be a Tin Lady too!" I told her you could defiantly be a Tin Lady, and she had the biggest grin I have ever seen. After she disappeared for a moment, she walked back up towards me and had these little barrettes on her hair that lit up, and she was just so proud as she was walking down towards me to show me her new look. That right there is a big accomplishment of being an example for another girl, especially a girl of color, to look up to someone that does what I do, which is also rare. That is an impactful moment for both of us, so we both win.

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

Coordinating and following through with ideas and projects because there are days when you are tired and want to rest and eat and do self-care. Which is a must, and there is nothing wrong with that. But at times, I can be lazy, and other times I might be in an emo (emotional) mind frame where I am not as motivated to do certain things. Overly thinking as well has been a struggle too.

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

  1. As Nas said in his song "I Can" to motivate the kids, "Perseverance" is a must no matter how hard it gets; it will pay off in the end just gotta keep swimming and track through it.
  2. Don't get discouraged when trial and error hits. It happens to a lot of people who seek to become successful with anything they developed in life. I am sure Steve Jobs to Jay Z had plenty of them. If they can make it, so can you.
  3. Believe in yourself. This is something I am under construction with. It is a struggle I currently have at times on some things that I do. But nobody won't believe in you but yourself. Let those who genuinely don't believe in you motivate or inspire you to accomplish what they feel you are not capable of doing. I had plenty of that, which can be ongoing at times from people.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://stephroou.wixsite.com/stephroou
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetinladyofficial/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-sutton-92768428/

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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