Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jayne Williams, Founder and Executive Director of All Leaders Must Serve, located in Woodland, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
All Leaders Must Serve (ALMS) is a nonprofit mentoring organization that empowers young adults ages 15 - 25 through job readiness, work ethic, character development, and communication skills to become self-sufficient and prepared to give back to their community.
Tell us about yourself
I am happily married to my husband of 36 years and am a grandmother of six ranging from college to kindergarten. I grew up with a learning disability with little support from school or home, which caused me to graduate illiterate. But my mother wanted me to always be self-sufficient, so she made sure I knew the technology of the day, typing and Greg Shorthand. Even if I couldn't transpose the shorthand into words, I could type 100 wpm, and I had soft skills that got my foot in the door and allowed me to grow with each opportunity. I left home, moved to California from Colorado at age 18 and got my first job at the California School Boards Association at age 20 where I found my first mentor. She encouraged me to learn how to read, promising to make me her assistant. It took me a few weeks, and I've had every job I've ever wanted from that point on. I am very motivated to help the young people today struggling with anxiety, depression, loneliness, and a general sense of helplessness. I want them to know they are valued and needed as a leader in their home, job, and community. They have something to offer. We have to help them find it and show them the way. If we do it at this stage of their development, we will have a better community all around and not as much to clean up later. They are our future!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I started ALMS in Woodland, California, a small town not far from the University of Davis. I was an outsider who cared about the young people, could speak about their needs, and offered solutions as if the youth were my own. Within a few years, I was given the Key to the City!
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
ALMS is 90% volunteers and 100% community funded. Community clubs, faith-based communities, small business sponsors, and individual donors make up the budget through monthly giving and large donations. It makes it difficult to plan for the year and especially difficult to hire staff. But the volunteers are committed, and with no government contracts, ALMS can pivot on a dime as the need changes. We are a learning organization.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Check your motives before starting an organization. If it's all about money, you may not receive the satisfaction you may be looking for. Run your business as if you were all the employees and customers. Make sure you treat others how you want to be treated and give what is needed, even if you have to change to do so. Your business will automatically grow in the long run. Growing a business comes with a good reputation. Loyal customers and friends are hard to find. Building a business with them makes work more enjoyable.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.allleadersmustserve.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allleadersmustserve
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almsinyolo/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ALMSinYolo
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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