Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in content creation but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Nicole Gonzalez-Cumberbatch, Founder of The Motherhood Village, located in Coral Springs, FL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is called The Motherhood Village, which started as just a podcast in 2019. However, in 2021, I started collaborating with some of my guests to also offer informative webinars, empowering workshops, and support groups for mothers that are looking to create or enhance their own motherhood village.
Tell us about yourself
I am a mother, podcaster, published author, and I have held several executive-level positions during my 20-year career in Corporate. However, after my son was born in 2017, I battled postpartum anxiety and struggled with balancing life with a newborn. I needed a safe space to discuss honest and real conversations about motherhood and the challenges we face so, so I created my podcast in 2019, which then transitioned into The Motherhood Village. My mission is to educate, empower and support mothers with informative conversations and meaningful connections. I feel all mothers know what's best for their families, but there is something special about hearing stories you can relate to and connecting with people that you can learn. I also own NGC Consulting, a boutique consulting firm for small business owners.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
There have been many great things, but my biggest accomplishments so far have been - my podcast reaching 100 episodes this year, being voted number 4 of the top 50 moms in podcasting by Podcast Magazine, and the wonderful feedback I get after every episode is posted, and after every event that I host. I am grateful for all of my listeners that took the time to vote and for my village that has supported me since day one.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
There are many hard things that come with being a business owner because you are the end-all be-all. When I first started my podcast, I did all of the producing, editing, marketing, pitching guests to be on my show, and so much more. There were many times I wanted to give up because my background was in accounting and human resources, so I had no idea what I was doing. However, over time I started to develop efficient systems and invested in many masterclasses and courses to further enhance my skills. But most importantly, I kept going because I believed in myself and the vision that I had. Then one day in 2021, I was able to outsource my podcast editing and some of my marketing. I now have a great team of women that I work with. They do the things that I am not great at, allowing me to focus on what I do best, which is hosting my show, networking, and growing my businesses.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Being a business owner is hard work with lots of long days and nights. Therefore, if you're looking to start a business, you must first figure out your "why." This is essential because on the days you may want to give up, your "why" or purpose will push you, and it will also be the foundation for many other things like your vision and mission statements. You also need a business plan or business map in place. It doesn't have to be very formal, but it will be a good guide to help you run and grow your business, and if you're looking to get investors or bank loans, then a business plan will be needed. Lastly, most businesses fail due to a lack of efficient systems in place. Therefore, it is crucial that you take the time to develop the right systems and SOPs that will help your business run smoothly and maintain as it scales. As you're creating your business, think of ways you can automate processes, eliminate redundancies and eliminate bottlenecks that can slow down the growth and profitability of your business.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
My YouTube channel will be launching in August of this year so look out for that!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.themotherhoodvillage.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.motherhood.village1/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolegcumberbatch/
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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