Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in media but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Monica Curtis, Chief Impact Officer of The Kindling Project, located in Northville, MI, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Fuel your passions with The Kindling Project, a media platform empowering women to prioritize themselves, their interests, and their hobbies. We believe every woman has a burning inner fire, and our mission is to fuel and fan that fire by providing uplifting spaces, support, inspiration, and a spark to ignite your potential.
Tell us about yourself
I am driven by an insatiable curiosity and a genuine excitement for learning about people's unique stories, with a particular focus on women. I have observed that women often celebrate others within their communities, which inspired me to reflect on some critical questions. What started as personal introspection has become a powerful platform dedicated to amplifying women's voices.
What keeps me going daily is the realization that many women are not truly embracing and living their lives to the fullest. They often hide their own brilliance. That's why I am committed to challenging and changing this narrative. I envision a world where women confidently show up, embracing their true potential in every aspect of their lives. The thought of witnessing the transformative impact of women embracing their authentic selves fuels my daily dedication to this mission. Just imagine the positive change that would ripple if women started boldly and unapologetically showing up in all areas of their lives.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Discovering my most significant achievement as a business owner has brought me immense joy. Our mission-driven company is all about inspiring women on a deep level. But what truly excites me is the power to make a meaningful impact on an individual level. It warms my heart to know that my words and actions have motivated members of our community to pursue their dreams bravely. It's like the cherry on top of a delicious sundae.
This kind of influence can have a ripple effect on those directly involved and the entire community's atmosphere. By fostering these connections and providing support, we are making a real difference.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Embracing your "why," staying on track, and persisting can be a real challenge, but it's the key to success. Avoiding comparisons in business and personal life is the secret to moving forward and growing positively.
In our society, there's a big focus on having a lot of "followers." Businesses and personal brands want those numbers to validate their presence. While I understand the importance of building a solid following, what truly matters to me are our actions. The real difference-makers- the doers- are the ones who do something, and that's more important than having a massive number of followers.
It's crucial to stay focused on my purpose, which is to serve women. While I do have a vision of creating a meaningful movement, it all starts with one person, one story, and one positive decision at a time. The real impact comes from taking concrete steps, and that's where I'm putting my attention and effort.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Know your purpose/why: What motivates and drives you to keep going, no matter what. Your why (your desire) needs to be greater than any excuse and setback. (Get very clear, this becomes your shield)
- Embrace collaboration/network: Surround yourself with people who believe in your vision and are willing to collaborate and share ideas. This will help cultivate success and allow you to share stages together.
- Streamline your processes: Take care of the necessary but less exciting aspects of business, such as agreements, onboarding, and systems. Transparent systems can enhance productivity, minimize errors, and provide a structured framework for scaling your business. This proactive approach will save you time and resources in the long run.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.thekindlingproject.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kindlingproject/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/togetherjoy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monica-inestroza-curtis-99009a268/
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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