Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Wave Wyld, a TikTok coach, and photographer, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a TikTok Marketing & Trends Expert. I have helped thousands of creators and business owners grow their TikTok accounts with a community-over-virality approach. My background in personal branding and photo/video creation helped me launch a brand on TikTok as the "Queen of Trend Alerts," which then started the movement of "Trend Alert" style videos that currently dominates social media feeds by other social media coaches.
I am a member of TikTok's invite-only Creator Community Program as well as YouTube's Shorts Creator Community. I have built an engaged audience of over 350 K + followers across my social media platforms. I regularly appear on National TV and speak on top-rated podcasts and social media marketing summits.
Tell us about yourself
I was working as a photographer and personal brand coach when the pandemic occurred. I had to cancel many of my gigs and return deposits and felt like the nature of my industry was changing. I was encouraged to join TikTok by an Instagram coach friend, and I started posting various video content. I didn't know what I was doing and went semi-viral. That got me hooked, and I fell in love with the creativity of the app. I had fun making videos and started sharing my journey with my audience. I started getting a lot of questions about using TikTok for business, and I had a light bulb moment. I realized I could help business owners use the app as another social media tool. I feel so passionate and in alignment with my new direction that I dove head first into studying the platform. To this day, helping people get more visible to share their message through short-form videos is what motivates me every day. It doesn't feel like work, and I feel honoured and privileged to wake up every morning and do what I do.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Reaching my revenue goals in my first year of business was exciting. I really believe in doing what you love, and the money will come! It was a sign of success for me, as my photography and coaching business was not profitable. I also conquered my fear of public speaking. I spoke on my first stage at Social Media Marketing World 2022.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One hundred percent mindset! Staying focused on the positive and learning how to ride the wave of ups and downs with being an entrepreneur. It's a daily practice and a journey to stay focused. This is where tapping into my yoga practice helps to keep me humble and grateful.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Niche down! I've gone super niche, and it really helps you to stand out and specialize in one thing. The second tip is to leverage short-form video. It's dominating every social media platform now, and learning fundamental content creation skills will give you a head start. The last tip is to be in for the long game. Overnight success is rare. You will make mistakes and bad decisions. These are just opportunities to grow and help you become the expert you want to be.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.wavewyld.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wavewyldmedia/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wavewyld/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wavewyld/
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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