Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Christina Anderson, owner of Wandersoul Co, located in Raleigh, NC, USA.

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

I'm Christina Marie Anderson, owner of Wandersoul Co, a web development studio packed with personality. I make investing in a website fast, simple, and approachable for second-career women and creative business owners who are looking to elevate their online presence.

I build in WordPress using the Elementor Pro page builder, which allows me to build strategic, functional, and responsive websites that convert traffic into paying clients and act as a foundational marketing hub for a business's online presence.

Tell us about yourself

I started my business during the pandemic. At the time, I was tired of working in the hospitality industry and tired of working for someone else. I felt like I needed to break out on my own to build my own dream instead of someone else's, and the pandemic gave me an opportune break from work that I needed in order to invest time in building my own business.

As a business owner, I've done a bit of everything. At first, I was a virtual and personal assistant, then I was an online business manager, and at the beginning of 2022, I settled into my role as a WordPress developer, and I haven't looked back since. Now, I bring a level of human and personality to the web design and development world. I'm motivated by helping my clients navigate the complex world of WordPress and building a website, and doing it in a simplified way that is both approachable and comprehensive so that my clients feel comfortable making the right decisions for their online home.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is when prospects or clients tell me that my personality is part of why they want to work with me. It makes all those late nights creating content and designing websites worth it! It feels amazing knowing that my authenticity is not only appreciated but also valued enough by others that they want to collaborate with me going forward.

Additionally, embracing my own unique qualities has allowed me to stand out from other web designers since there isn't anyone else quite like me! By staying true to myself while still being professional and reliable, I've been able to build relationships with people around the world who appreciate my work ethic and trustworthiness. Knowing this motivates me every day as I continue working hard towards achieving greater success as an entrepreneur!

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

One of the hardest parts of being a business owner is knowing when and how to say "no" to an opportunity or project. What a lot of people don't understand when they're just starting out is being a successful business owner does not simply mean saying "yes" to every opportunity that comes their way. Rather, it's about knowing when and how to skillfully say no, an invaluable asset for any creative leader who seeks lasting success! Not only does saying "no" give business owners the power of choice in terms of which projects deserve their full attention, but it also frees up more time and energy towards creating those meaningful pursuits worth celebrating at the end of each workday. It may take some courage (and plenty of practice!), but mastering this art is well worth its weight in gold!

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

  1. Know your boundaries. Knowing your limits as an entrepreneur is key. It helps promote healthy relationships with clients while also protecting against burnout and exhaustion from taking on too much work at once. Prioritizing yourself first is necessary.
  2. Make sure there's room for balance between professional responsibilities and the things that bring true joy into your life! By leaning into healthy boundaries early on in your business journey, it'll become second nature over time so that, ultimately, everyone benefits from better collaboration and results overall.
  3. Manage your money correctly from the start, save money for taxes, pay yourself regularly so you don't feel like you're doing all this work for nothing, and put some money aside as a cushion "just in case." Don't be afraid to invest. As an entrepreneur, it can feel like you have to do everything yourself, but the truth is you are not good at literally everything it takes to run a business. Focus your creative energy on the places where it can be the most impactful (this is your "zone of genius") and work hard to outsource the parts of your business that don't light you up. In the long run, investing in and outsourcing the parts of your business that you aren't good at will open up time and space for new creative opportunities in the areas where you thrive!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://wandersoulco.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wandersoulwebdesign
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wandersoulwebdesign/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wandersoulco/

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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