Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Shannon Wilke, Owner of The Shine Advocacy Group, located in Chandler, AZ, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
The Shine Advocacy Group’s mission is to empower parents, students & educators with a better understanding of special education. We work with families whose children have ADHD, Autism, Anxiety, and Learning Disabilities shine at school by setting up support plans & at home by education on parenting children with unique needs.
Tell us about yourself
I still remember the feeling of overwhelm when our son got his diagnosis. There was so much work to be done & support to set up. I found it shockingly challenging to navigate the special education process & at that time, I had over a decade under my belt as a Disability Services Manager in Higher Ed. It should have been simple, but it was not. There was a gap in the system & I wanted to fix it. Parents deserve to be empowered & my goal became bringing disability awareness to as many families as possible. The Shine Advocacy Group was created in 2016 & we have had the honor of advocating for hundreds of children living with ADHD, Autism, Anxiety & Learning Disabilities.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I feel a connection to any family who has a child with invisible disabilities as I walk in their shoes daily. When we get a text, call, or note sharing the hope felt after connecting with us or sharing the progress their child has made; it really makes my day.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Finding balance when our business is part of who we are so that we can maintain a healthy boundary between home & business. I am so passionate about what I do that working on projects is a fun hobby for me, but I have learned that I need to set aside dedicated time to preserve family time.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Treat your small business the way that you would like to see it in ten years. Create SOPS, set annual goals, and streamline before you get busy.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
If we work with each client as though they are family and run the business with passion, it will flourish.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://shineadvocacy.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shineadvocacy
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3vwd1XA
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3bnZVVB
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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