Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Spencer Yeomans, Founder of Untamed Space, located in St. Louis Park, MN, USA.

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

I help people who feel trapped in the cycle of their daily routine. For many, the world of vision and passion is the most untamed space they can encounter, having been neglected and fallen into disrepair from lack of use. While my primary focus is motivating others to get outside and travel more, I also hope to remind them that dreams are for adults as much as they are for children.

Tell us about yourself

In October 2019, I went on a backpacking trip through the Himalayas in Nepal. It was one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life, and it really made me think about what I wanted to do with my time here on Earth. Was I going to be satisfied with my office job and two weeks of PTO each year? Or did I want to set myself up for something more meaningful and fulfilling?

My wife often reminds me of our dreams for the future, and I often get messages from people inspired by my work. These things are motivational and help me keep pressing on during the tough times.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I always enjoy partnering with other brands, especially when it comes to experiential collaborations. My wife and I were able to spend part of our honeymoon at a beautiful and remote B&B just outside Glacier National Park for free - in exchange, I would write an article and Google review on my experience there.

When this opportunity presented itself, I felt like I had finally "made it" as a business owner. My wife and I had a great time and look forward to more experiences like it in the future.

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

As a business owner, one of the hardest things I faced was all the negativity thrown my way. Friends and family told me I was crazy, money was tight in the beginning, I had doubts about whether I could actually make it work, and my expectations had to be revised several times. Overall, the first year after starting a business can be a very discouraging time, simply because it takes so much time and effort to see any progress.

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

  1. Never give up. If you have an idea and you've done your research, the only way you can fail is if you quit.
  2. Have big dreams but stay grounded in reality. Dreams are what will motivate and inspire you to grow and keep working through the tough times. However, you'll become discouraged sooner or later if you have lofty expectations. It's helpful to have a trusted partner to give you a reality check from time to time.
  3. Stay customer-focused. You may think the business is primarily for you, but don't forget that your customers are paying your bills. Make decisions that benefit them, even if it seems like you'll be the one taking a hit at the moment. Trust me - they'll appreciate it, and you'll reap the rewards soon enough.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

If you're serious about starting a business, the best thing you can do is to take that first step. It's important to do your market research, figure out how you'll fit inside your niche, and develop your brand colors and logo (etc.), but eventually, you have to start taking actionable steps to build something tangible. Don't let the fear of failure stop you from pursuing your dreams.

When I started Untamed Space, I made more mistakes than I could count. They definitely set me back, but I can't think of any better learning experience on my entrepreneurial journey. Without them, I know I wouldn't be in as good of a place as I am now.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.untamedspace.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/untamedspacewithUS/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/untamed_space/

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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