Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lianne Torres, Podcast Host of Watch Us Thrive, located in Elizabeth, NJ, USA.

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

I'm the creator and host of the Watch Us Thrive podcast, a personal development podcast that shines the light on how important taking care of our mental health is, how we need to heal from the trauma that keeps us stuck in toxic relationships, and ways we can reconnect with our inner magic.

My listeners are predominately women who are on their own personal development journey that are seeking inspiration and motivation through the episodes I provide. I feature amazing guests I’ve met along the way of my own healing journey to share those stories of turning pain into power and trauma into triumph, along with some solo episodes in which I talk about my own life experiences.

Tell us about yourself

Truth be told, I never thought that I would be a podcaster. I always hated public speaking and being the center of attention, but starting my podcast has been one of the most fulfilling decisions I’ve made in my entire life.

In early 2021, I found myself in a physically and emotionally abusive relationship. I didn’t realize it at the time, but I had become a victim of domestic violence. I realized that I kept finding myself in a pattern of toxic relationships. The pivotal moment for me was the night when my life was almost taken from me by the hands of my abusive ex-boyfriend. I realized some serious change and healing needed to happen, and while working with professionals to help me recover from my lowest point, my podcast was born to share my story with the world and has grown since then. I can absolutely say that my podcast has helped me so much in my own personal development journey.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment has been the ability to turn my pain into my purpose. If I never went through that terrifying moment with my last relationship, my podcast wouldn't exist. I have found strength and power within myself by sharing my story. So many people reach out to me on a consistent basis and tell me how sharing my story has helped them not feel alone in what they have gone through. If I can help one person heal from the trauma they have experienced, I've done my job.

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

I think not knowing what the future holds is scary for anyone. I would definitely consider myself someone who likes to maintain control in my life and starting a business (no matter what niche you're in) is the complete opposite of that. You don't have that much control over your future when you're starting a business. There are so many goals I want to achieve, and I dare myself to dream big, but not knowing what that looks like can be exciting but also scary at the same time.

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

  1. If there's an idea sitting in your heart, soul, and spirit that won't go away, it's there for a reason. Listen to that voice and follow through with action.
  2. Find your target audience. Understand that you're not for everyone (and you shouldn't want to be.) Your friends, more likely than not, won't support you and your business. Your family won't support you. Sometimes even your own partner won't support you! The people who will are the ones who you find, especially on the internet. I've made so many amazing connections online with people who understand the purpose behind my podcast and have supported me since day one. Find those people, connect with those people and build your network. There is power in community.
  3. Show up consistently. Show up authentically. Show up unapologetically YOU. Your story is your story, and no one else can tell it like you can. We all have unique life experiences, and people gravitate to what they can relate to. Share your message because there is someone out there who wants to hear it.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://wutpodcast.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/watchusthrivepodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/wutpodcast_
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/li-anne-92a513217/

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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