Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in media & podcasting but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Annie Bowles, Founder & Editor-In-Chief of Sugarfree Media, located in Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I own a small media company called Sugarfree Media. We create media specifically catering to the modern woman and all of her various interests. We even host a daily news podcast called News Du Jour, designed as a calmer space to consume the news and told in an approachable, friend-to-friend format. You can find our podcast on every podcast platform or on our website at www.sugarfreemedia.co/ndj. It's a great place to stay informed in a low-key way!
Tell us about yourself
I was raised learning how to stay informed. But once I got out into the world, I found out that wasn't always the case, especially for my demographic. There wasn't a female version of Esquire or GQ that I saw on the newsstand... A publication that acknowledged women wanted to know about the news alongside fashion, food, health - etc. So I built one. I am motivated daily by feedback from our audience that we are improving their lives. Knowing that we are making an impact with our work drives me to continue.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Being invited to attend events like New York Fashion Week and the UN General Assembly or even just getting a press pass to events at the Oklahoma State Capital... Being invited to cover important events is always an honor and makes me extremely proud of our company.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the biggest challenges is balancing all the different hats you have to wear. Working on marketing, creating content, accounting, and raising funds. They are such varying skill sets, and as a leader, you have to have a hand in all of them.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Always be ready to pivot - don't wed yourself to your plans because the world is constantly changing, as is your business!
- When working for yourself, it's important to find balance when it comes to your time. In the beginning, I didn't work enough. I was too relaxed about everything and not getting enough done. Once I noticed that, I went overboard and burned myself out! So, finally, I settled on some reasonable work hours for myself and truly allowed myself to disconnect outside of those hours. Much more sustainable. Such a game-changer!
- Connections might not come with a monetary value. But they can make or break you. Take time to build and foster relationships. Everyone you meet has a way they could help your business grow!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://sugarfreemedia.co/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sugarfreemedia.co/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anniebowles/
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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