Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Shawn Ho-Hing King, Founder and President of Talented Teen Club, located in Greenacres, FL, USA.

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

Talented Teen Club inspires underserved youths to be the best version of themselves.

Tell us about yourself

The phrase 'to whom much is given, much is required' found in Luke 12:48. I know exactly how it feels to be a teen desiring guidance after losing my mother at the tender age of 10. I know what it is like to rely on neighbors for daily food and resources to survive, even at such a young age. I observed both positive and negative examples from my 14 siblings, who also struggled due to the absence of parenting skills but who all helped to shape my future. A young Shawn learned the art of self-reliance and developed self-confidence from those experiences. I will admit that not having my mother to guide me through those teenage years was the worst thing that could happen in my life.

Today the students' success and the life-changing results with the families we served give me the courage and drive to continue to fight for the well-being of teens.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My most significant accomplishment is finding my purpose for seventeen years and creating the ripple effect of success with thousands of students, which I believe is a legacy.

“It takes courage to start but consistency win.”. In 1999, my team and I curated the very first event to bring young people together. It was called the Talent Explosion Show, meant to improve self-esteem and showcase the natural talents and skills of teens. In grand style, we chose the Kravis Center as the venue, and the event was the birthplace of my taking actionable steps in the community to build youth self-esteem. My motto in life is, “If you find your talent, you will find your Purpose.”

TTC started with 20 girls aged 14 to 18 years old per year. With the help of the community, family, and friends, and networked and grew the organization to where it is now, serving over 1200 teens annually. Talented Teen Club has received tremendous support from partnerships with small businesses, family, friends, and small and large organizations such as the Henry Nias Foundation, Truist Bank, United the Children’s Council, The Community Foundation of Palm Beach County, and Target, to name a few.

As TTC grows to meet the needs of the teens in the community, there continues to be a constant need for its services. Throughout Palm Beach County, the program goes to where it is needed as it tries to reach teens in public schools and wherever they are. Parents and teens have seen the benefits of participating in TTC’s programs, and that excellent reputation leads to a constant demand for services. Our members have excelled above and beyond our expectations. Past members have gone on to impressive careers in various fields, including medicine.

As TTC’s Chief Executive Officer, I would like to see the organization I founded become a household name globally without barriers. I firmly believe in TTC’s motto, “Our children are our biggest investment,” and will continue to pour my efforts into our youth because our future as a society depends on them. I measure my life's success through one word: “love, “ love for humanity.

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

I genuinely believe the most challenging things that come with being a business owner are capital and fear. Giving in to fear will stop you from growing and building something new. When you trust yourself and feel confident in your position, there is no need to prove it. You trust that the truth will unfold as it should in due time, and you don’t have to respond to everything around you. Easier said than done sometimes, I know.

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

  1. Know your product for yourself. Whatever business you’re trying to start and grow, make sure you can perform or know all aspects of the company. The Journey of an Entrepreneur is a Journey of Self Discovery. Be kind to yourself.
  2. Building a more substantial relationship. As the saying goes, you are the sum of the five people you spend your time with. To be a successful business owner, network with successful people.
  3. Confidence and self-esteem. The road to entrepreneurship is a marathon. You have to believe in yourself with confidence before anyone can believe in you.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: http://www.talentedteenclub.org/
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3Vt3eND
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talentedteenclub/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-ho-hing-king-346b1760/

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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