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Q: Was there a moment when you felt like you wouldn’t be able to make this business a reality? How did you work past it?
A: The first six months were hard. As a startup, you are trying to establish a work résumé and get your name out to your target market. It can be discouraging to run into other businesses that are already established and doing well—it can really
make you doubt your abilities. At times, it was overwhelming, and I didn’t know how important networking was until I joined a couple of networking groups. Those groups helped me to forge connections and build strong contacts.
I overcame all of my fears by surrounding myself with positive mentors, especially my Veteran and military spousebusiness owner colleagues. I focused on building MY business, and kept on pushing one day at a time.
Q: Did your military service prepare you to be a business owner and to get through those first six months?
A: My time in the military prepared me for all kinds of life situations. I became a self-starter, learned self-discipline, self-worth, the importance of taking pride in one’s work, and a commitment to service excellence. I also learned to look for the bright side of things, which helps you to never give up. All of these military traits are crucial for anyone who owns a successful business. You have to be comfortable being a “Jack of all trades,” and taking on responsibilities that you’ve never tackled before.
My time as a young service member trained me to be an agile solopreneur, a role that requires me to know all aspects of the business. My time in the U.S. Navy also prepared me to be ready and willing to work 24/7 for something I wanted and believed in. I am a more confident, capable, and decisive business owner because I was a Sailor first.
My time as a young service member trained me to be an agile solopreneur, a
role that requires me to know all aspects of the business. My time in the U.S. Navy also prepared me to be ready and willing to work 24/7 for something I wanted and believed in. I am a more confident, capable, and decisive business owner because I was a Sailor first.
"I didn't know how important networking is until I joined a couple of networking groups. Those groups helped me forge connections and build strong contacts."