Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Darielle Teitelbaum, founder of AWE Contracts Inc., located in Toronto, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
AWE Contracts is an online legal template shop made for your industry. It was created for Canadian entrepreneurs looking for affordable legal contract templates that they can access quickly, rely on, and feel confident using without hiring a lawyer. They are lawyer-drafted, easy to customize, and professional contracts that will help set you up for success and allow you to focus on your business goals. The online shop offers single Contract Templates and Contract Kits tailored to niche industries, with all the legal protection and no lawyers, high legal fees, or long wait times. The Kits include the essential contracts for your industry so that there's no guesswork involved and you're properly set up from the start. We've considered the nature of your services, your clients, your headaches and created contracts that truly reflect your practices.
AWE Contracts Inc. is not a law firm and does not offer any legal advice.
Tell us about yourself
I am a business lawyer based in Toronto, Canada, and the founder of AWE Legal, and boutique business law firm. I wanted to create a legal experience for my community that was accessible and approachable while being highly professional. AWE stands for athletes, artists, wellness professionals, entrepreneurs, and that is the community I am part of and passionate about serving. I know the pain points of starting a business, and I am driven by offering solutions to my community, which is what sparked AWE Contracts, a more accessible, affordable, and quick solution for folks. I'm also a runner, indoor cycling instructor and have many creative side projects, so I appreciate the need for a quick and reliable solution for running an effective business.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I am so proud of the diversity of my clients and how creative and successful they've become. I truly enjoy learning from my clients and creating solutions together. It is because of this I have expanded my team and been able to grow the AWE brand.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
It's hard to educate some people on the importance of proper setup from the get-go. Unfortunately, I do get called in once things have gone wrong, and I always urge people to take steps at the beginning in order to prevent as much as possible.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
I recommend getting a proper structure in place, whether that's a business license as a sole proprietor or Incorporating. Of course, I am going to recommend having things in writing and having a proper contract in place with clients and staff. You want to protect your intellectual property and set the boundaries from the start. It is key to ensure your contract reflects the nature of your work and adheres to Canadian law (if you're Canadian). Thirdly, have the hard conversations upfront to avoid confusion or misinterpretations, and that may apply to clients and deadlines or partners and staff. Often what we put off is the groundwork to healthy and lasting relationships.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
It's common for new entrepreneurs not to know where to start and avoid those scary aspects of the business. I really think it's important to find a community, someone you trust, mentors, and to ask the questions, you need in order to feel confident moving forward. There are resources; I have many blogs on AWE Legal and AWE Contracts, and so gather the information and invest in a proper setup from the beginning!
Where can people find you and your business?
Websites: https://www.awecontracts.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/awecontracts/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awecontracts/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/awe-contracts/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.
