Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Hilary Cluett, founder of UX Vocab Club, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.

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

I'm an English communication and presentation coach for UX Designers, and I love my clients because they think as detailed as engineers but have the warm hearts of caregivers. Because of how excellent these professionals are, I founded a club and newsletter to share what I was learning from my DMs with a broader network.

Tell us about yourself

In 2021, I had to change my approach to growth and marketing because my hands were bleeding from allergies I was still figuring out. I knew I had to send out messages and create a buzz to grow my business, but I literally couldn't type. So I decided to start on the first day of January and record a video of me exploring UX terminology so that I could start creating a databank of content. I produced and published 366 videos to create a bank of content without typing. The process is fundamental to my business, where clients take their spoken words and turn them into tangible text to play with and iterate.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Saying no to projects that don't fit into my vision. And being open to opportunities that I wouldn't have considered in the first place because they work with my dream. So I guess my biggest accomplishment so far is knowing and understanding my vision - finally.

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

SACRIFICE!!! I don't have everything I want because my dream is driving me and not my desires. It can be lonely and frustrating but understanding my core values and how they align with my actions is helpful. I constantly perform audits, using my bubble method, to prioritize my task lists (and on my task list, I also include self-care!) I refused to buy my network, and I want to grow my professional relationships organically. As a result, it's a slower process but more sustainable in the long run. I like immediate results, and the hardest thing for me is to be patient and acknowledge the milestones along the journey.

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

  1. Have three years' worth of savings!!!! Or a safe house where your expenses are meager, and you are free to conduct business.
  2. Know your expenses and monitor everything, always! If you're not aware of your monthly costs and how it compares to your budget, that's asking for trouble.
  3. Pay your taxes! This changes depending on where you are, so get an accountant and bookkeeper to help you manage this aspect of your business because it's crucial to operations.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I mentioned the bubble method, which I use the most to ideate and figure out what resonates with myself and others. I offer group training sessions on the last Tuesday of every month for anyone who would like to learn how to apply the visual aid to help them communicate better with themselves and others. You can buy a ticket on Eventbrite, and I hope to meet you soon!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hilarycluett/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bubblemethod/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HilaryCluett
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hilarycluett/

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.