Finding Pieces of Your Own Story

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Leslie Morgan, Co-Founder of The Candidly, located in Los Angeles, CA, USA.

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

I am the Co-Founder and GM of The Candidly, a wellness site for people who sort of hate wellness sites. We cater to women who are old(er) and who are skeptical yet curious about everything from concealer to relationships, ankle boots to blush placement.

Tell us about yourself

As a woman in her 40's, I started The Candidly with my Co-Founder Danna Pratte as an idea in 2019. We weren't seeing the kind of content we wanted to see, so we decided to create The Candidly to share stories and concepts that we thought would resonate with women like us. Our first hire was our incredible Chief Creative Officer and Editor in Chief Audie Metcalf, and we got to work. When we hear that our content is resonating with women like us, that is what continues to motivate us. When we get a DM that says OMG, I need that bag or your story about how to apologize resonated with me is why we do what we do.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Being able to see our growth in such a short time. We officially launched the site right around March 2020 when COVID hit, and we were able to stay the course leaning into topics and resources that really resonated with people. We have developed a very trusted audience in that time who will ask us questions, buy products we recommend, and consume the content we write about voraciously.

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

The hardest thing is building a great team and having to have your hand in many pies while staying as focused as you can on the goals you set forth. Hiring can make or break your team, and the work it takes to find and invest in team members can be challenging. Also, on any given day, I am recruiting for team members, so reviewing resumes, interviewing, creating and fulfilling contracts, reaching out to brands and potential content partners. So time blocking is critical to be able to get everything done.

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

In terms of starting, just start it. My Co-founder Danna and I had an idea, and we just got started. In terms of running a business, find people who are strong where you are not. Audie really is the glue and creative spark we needed, and she really is the force behind our entire editorial vision. In terms of growth, don't be afraid to reach out to people to see how they can help or see if you can offer something they need that you have.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.thecandidly.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecandidlyco/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecandidly/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-morgan-4b48988/

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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