Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kellee Tarum, owner of The Spruce Collective, located in Littleton, CO, USA.

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

The Spruce Collective works with female and non-binary small business owners who want to get their time back. Whether they are looking to outsource or just spending more time on their admin tasks than in their zones of genius, our clients need better systems in order to make their lives (and the world!) better. We help them audit, systematize and automate their processes so they can be in control of their businesses instead of the other way around.

Tell us about yourself

After graduating from the University of Colorado in 2001, I worked as a Gal Friday for several businesses, both multinational and small (like…just my boss running three companies out of his house, kind of small and me). Working in both environments allowed me to learn so much about the inner workings of small businesses as well as what was needed for growth. I decided to start Spruce so that I could have the opportunity to choose my own clients, my own hours, and my own timelines. It’s been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is being able to support my family financially while still having the flexibility to be a single parent and actual human being and helping our clients do the same. As for more tangible achievements, being asked to give a workshop on systems at Denver Freelance Business Week and being on the board of a non-profit organization called the Freelancer Failure Ball both make me want to squeal with pride.

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

I think one of the hardest things about being a business owner is having to self-motivate. So much depends on you setting meaningful goals, a realistic schedule, and giving your clients your best work, and some days that’s really tough.

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

First, get really clear on what you want. How many hours do you want to work? Which kinds of work fill you up, and which drain you? Who do you love to work with?

Second, set up systems that allow you to give yourself and your clients the best experience and then automate them to keep yourself from burning out on repeatable tasks.

Third, set boundaries. Sure there will be times you have to work super hard or late to meet a deadline, but if your business isn’t aligned with the life you want to lead, it’s not sustainable. Make your business work within your life, not the other way around.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Starting The Spruce Collective has allowed me to meet so many incredible, supportive business owners. The entrepreneurial world is truly a community, and if you’re thinking about joining us, you’ve got this.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://spruceva.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesprucecoll/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.spruce.collective/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellee-tarum/

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.