Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sarah Cieslinski, Co-Founder and CEO of ZeroWasteStore, located in Port St. Lucie, FL, USA.

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

ZeroWasteStore is the largest online marketplace where you can shop 1,000+ sustainable, eco-friendly everyday products. Customers choose us because they care about the environment and want to reduce their plastic waste.

Tell us about yourself

ZeroWasteStore started with the mission to help people rethink the way they consume. I have always been super passionate about wildlife and the environment. As I got older, I realized that there were many problems with our planet, and I wanted to help make a difference. Over the last 4 years, ZWS has grown exponentially, working to educate consumers on the importance of reducing their waste, inspiring our community to make a lasting positive impact, and offsetting plastic & carbon from the environment. We have developed the world's first sustainable shopping app, created our own line of daily essentials, and we are just getting started!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Reaching over 400,000 other people who care about protecting our planet just as much as I do.

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

Dealing with the unknowns. There are always new challenges and obstacles to overcome.

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

  1. Do something you're passionate about. The more you're passionate about your business, the more motivated you are to see it succeed and the harder you'll work.
  2. Be open-minded to receive constructive criticism. No one knows everything, and allowing others to give you feedback on your business, what you could be doing better, etc., is super important
  3. Balancing work with life. One of my favorite quotes is, "Entrepreneurs are the only people who will work 80 hours a week to avoid working 40 hours a week." - Lori Greiner. This can lead to burnout and a feeling of resentment towards your business. Make sure to take breaks, don't overwork yourself, and balance doing things you love 50% of the time.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://zerowastestore.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zerowastestore
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zerowastestore/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/zerowastestore
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thezerowastestore/

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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