Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal and business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with V. Ophnelia Rigault, Founder of REAL TALK SOLUTIONS, located in Kingston, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Globally, we have all been grieving the loss of friends, family, social connections, and many more aspects of our lives that we took for granted. Employees are coming back to work and still feeling a sense of insecurity. The need for racial and gender equality in the workplace has increased, and people are demanding those solutions now.
This instability is causing resignations, low efficiency, and overall dissatisfaction in life and work. Employees are re-evaluating and need their leaders to guide the way. In essence, people do not feel that they belong at work.
REAL TALK SOLUTIONS provides coaching and training to authentic leaders on creating, building, and maintaining a culture of resiliency, equity, and inclusion – in the places where they work, play, and live.
Tell us about yourself
The global pandemic made it necessary for me to pivot my business from in-person to virtual – and having to stay at home because of various lockdowns made me think more about how I wanted to reconnect to my childhood superhero - Wonder Woman.
I witnessed the effects of Me Too, Black Lives Matter, and the Indian Residential Schools injustices (to name a few) created paralysis with leaders on how they could speak authentically with their people on these vitally critical cultural issues. I also saw those who had been fighting oppression for years and were now demanding sustainable change.
I saw a need to work with authentic leaders to support them in uncomfortable conversations on mental health wellness, racism, gender equality, and the intersection of grief and loss.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Being hired by BPW (Business and Professional Women) Canada and the Canadian Coalition as the National Coordinator for IDEAS For Gender Equality Project. The #IDEAS4GE Project will spotlight multi-stakeholder partners across Canada who have taken bold steps to promote gender equality through inclusion, diversity, equity, and access solutions.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things you'll have to face as a business owner is dealing with the unknowns. Every day there will be a new challenge or obstacle to face - but this is also a way to become innovative and creative and build resilience as you find solutions.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don't be on 24/7 - make time to turn the business clock off - self-care is an essential part of rejuvenating your energy.
- Embrace the word "pivot" - opportunities for success can come unexpected - so be prepared to pivot and embrace them.
- Have fun. If you are not having fun - re-evaluate if the business is right for you.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
The old saying "Rome wasn't built in a day" applies when you are growing, starting, and/or running a business. Just because your business is open doesn't mean you will immediately succeed. It takes time, commitment, and persistence. Do not give up!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.vopheliarigault.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OpheliaRigault/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realtalksolutions/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/opheliarigault
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/opheliarigault/
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.
