Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Giovanna Gonzalez, founder of The First Gen Mentor, located in Gilbert, AZ.

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

I'm a financial educator and TikTok influencer. My revenue comes from sponsored videos, money coaching, and teaching. In the near future I'll also make a living as a course creator and from my upcoming personal finance book.

Tell us about yourself

To be honest my business fell in my lap. It all came from the success of my TikTok account, @thefirstgenmentor. I started my account to give financial education and career advice to the first gen community. I didn't even know monetizing my content was a possibility. But as my account grew I started getting paid opportunities. Eventually I saw enough traction where I figured I could make a living doing what I love, so in June 2021 I took a leap and quit my corporate job. What motivates me to do what I do is that I know I'm truly making an impact in my community. I regularly receive messages from my followers telling me how much my content has helped them navigate money or their career.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Replacing my corporate salary in six months. This is something I'm very proud of because when I left my corporate job because I didn't think I'd be able to meet my basic needs. I was intimidated by entrepreneurship and didn't know what to expect.

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

For me, it was letting go of my corporate identity. I was so used to be an employee, which meant I was conditioned to think I could only be productive between 9-5 and Monday through Friday. I remember having down time and feeling like I constantly had to be productive. You get a lot of flexibility as a business owner and it's important to embrace that!

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

#1 Save a cash cushion to help you as you're starting out. At first the money can be inconsistent so it's important to have savings to meet your basic needs.

#2 Learn how to outsource. I used to think I had to figure it out. Sometimes it makes sense to pay someone else to do something you're not naturally good at so you can focus on what you do best.

#3 Your mindset as an a business owner is key. Seek support by working with a coach, reading books or finding community.

Where can people find you and your business?

https://www.thefirstgenmentor.com

https://www.instagram.com/gigithefirstgenmentor/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/giovannagonzalez/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.