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How I started my small business, my why and my passion #howistarted #smallbusiness
How I Started My Small Business, My Why, and My Passion #howistarted #smallbusiness
In 2008, my journey towards entrepreneurship began, not officially, but in spirit, when I was just eight years old. This pivotal year marked an inspiring globe-trotting adventure with my father, instilling in me a deep passion for hospitality experiences at hotels. I distinctly recall realizing that for many people, vacations are a rare, once-a-year event, with hotel staff playing a crucial role in making these experiences either profoundly memorable or utterly disappointing. From then on, my dream job was clear: I aspired to own my own resort.
Determined to turn my dream into reality, I secured an internship in the hospitality industry. However, reality clashed with my expectations, and to my dismay, I ended up absolutely hating it. Disheartened, I moved back to Colorado, where I dabbled in influencing work and sold clothes on Poshmark, seeking direction once again. Then, the pandemic hit, throwing another curveball into my life’s plans.
Facing the question of what to do with my life, I turned to TikTok to pass the time and stumbled across people making stickers. Intrigued, I Googled how to create them myself. This unplanned diversion sparked a creative flame, leading me to start my own company. Equipped with a degree in marketing, I gained employees and eventually a warehouse. By every metric, I should have been thrilled, but instead, I found myself burned out and disillusioned, having lost my passion and my sense of "why."
Recognizing the need to rediscover my drive, I decided that regardless of whether it’s the first or the 99th order from us, I want every customer to feel like they’re embarking on that special, once-a-year vacation—a memorable experience they’ll cherish. This renewed purpose is how I intend to rekindle my passion and keep pushing forward.
Keywords
- Small business
- Passion
- Hospitality
- Internship
- Pandemic
- TikTok
- Sticker business
- Marketing degree
- Burnout
- Customer experience
FAQ
Q: When did your passion for hospitality start?
A: My passion for hospitality began in 2008 when I traveled the world with my dad at the age of eight.
Q: What was your dream job?
A: My dream job was to own my own resort.
Q: How did the pandemic impact your career path?
A: The pandemic led me to start making stickers, which eventually turned into my own company.
Q: How did you start your own business?
A: I started my own business by creating stickers, fueled by inspiration from TikTok, and then grew it with a marketing degree, employees, and a warehouse.
Q: How do you handle burnout?
A: I am focusing on bringing back my passion by ensuring every customer feels like they’re having a memorable, once-a-year vacation experience.
Q: What has been a significant challenge in your entrepreneurial journey?
A: One significant challenge has been losing my passion and sense of purpose, leading to burnout.