Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in sports and athletics but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Doug Lynch, co-founder of Zenkai Sports, based in Vancouver, BC, Canada.

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

Zenkai is redefining performance athletic apparel for the next-gen athlete who cares about the planet as much as their performance.

Tell us about yourself

I am an ex-pro hockey player who loves the competition of entrepreneurship and building businesses as much as competing on the ice. After being around athletes my whole life, I was fascinated on how I could use my skill set and network to grow a business involving sports that intersected with my passion for the health of the planet. I want to make a difference by providing an alternative apparel choice to every athlete who also prioritizes the long-term health of the Earth.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Having people believe in me and what I want the company stands for.

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

The uncertainty from day to day (which is, ironically, also one of the most exciting things!)

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

  1. Align yourself with the right business partner, as this life is not for everyone.
  2. Make sure you have a strong sounding board who is NOT in the business.
  3. Take care of your mental and physical health because if you are not optimized as an individual, things are much tougher.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Don't give away equity to "Advisors" until they have proved themselves and earned their equity. Get multiple opinions when making big decisions. There is a big difference between corporate thinking and start-up thinking. Make sure you know the difference.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://zenkaisports.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zenkaisports
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zenkaisports/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ZenkaiSports
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-lynch-044/

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.