The Valley's Leading Newspaper - Winter Texan Times
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in publication but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Carina Brunson, Co-Owner of Winter Texan Times, located in Mission, TX, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
The Winter Texan Times services Winter Texans from Mission to South Padre Island. The Winter Texan Times has done this since 1987. It is a third-generation run business, with the fourth generation working in the business as well. We get to share stories of our winter visitors, entertainment, and sports, highlight Winter Texan parks and people, and share the multitude of activities and fun they have while here and what is available for them to do while visiting.
Tell us about yourself
I started working in the publishing business in 1996. Shortly after, I realized that is where I wanted to be. I truly enjoyed the people I was working with and what the product offered to our readers. I started from doing typesetting to filling in as a secretary, then reporting once I received my degree in communications. And now, I am co-owner of a paper I believe in and have so much fun writing for.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment has been my writing and coming out of my shell. I enjoy the people we serve, and I try to reflect that in my writing and everything we publish. I also try to reflect on who we are in the way I present myself.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing is worrying about the finances. The pandemic hit us hard, with travel being low. We are recovering, though, and that has made us get more positive. The other hard thing is just deciding on our news budget. We have so many great things that happen in the Rio Grande Valley that we want to share or that we want to attend, and sometimes it is a difficult choice of what to include or where we can go.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Big thing - Know your audience. Make sure you are there to serve someone and that you can provide the appropriate service.
- Believe in your product.
- Be willing to make sacrifices - it's hard work, especially at the beginning. Some long days have been involved, but they have all been well worth it.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
For any business owner, I think you should have a love for who you are serving. We are only in this business because of the people we serve. They are the reason we are here. We love what we do because of them.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.wintertexantimes.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/WinterTxnTimes
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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