Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tony A. Reimonenq Jr., Founder of LinkedUp Economic Empowerment Center, located in Hattiesburg, MS, USA.

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

I'm in the Economic Empowerment business. Linked Up seeks to close the wealth gap by focusing on promoting and teaching personal finance skills to individuals in low to moderate-income communities so they can make informed, responsible financial decisions.

Tell us about yourself

I am the oldest of 18 kids and was raised in a single-parent home by my mother with 11 of my siblings. This environment forced me to be a father-like figure early in life. We did not have much due to a lack of income, but my mother modeled the seed of optimism. I later learned that wealth always starts in the mind before it shows up in the wallet. Over time as an adult, I have grown my net worth to 3 million dollars by operating from a wealthy mindset of thinking. However, I still see people in my city struggle with the same poverty barriers I faced in the past.

Seeing people get discouraged by poverty barriers prompted me to start a non-profit called LinkedUp Economic Empowerment Center. My motivation is to see people use their inner power to connect with resources and financial assets to lift themselves out of poverty.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is purchasing a strip mall serving as an incubator to produce other thriving businesses.

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

One of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is having a vision that supersedes the financial funding to produce at a futuristic level. Access to capital, both financial and human.

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

  1. Be clear on what motivates you.
  2. Have a solid financial plan.
  3. Align with someone that is already successful in your field of endeavor

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

If you are going to be successful over a long period of time, don't take shortcuts. Be prepared to feel like giving up, but never give up.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.linkedupempowermentcenter.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tony.reimonenq
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reimonenqjr.tony/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TREIMONENQ
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-a-reimonenq-jr-mfc-144a9913/

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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