Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Gina DeFord, founder of Babe Crafted, located in Tampa, FL.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is a community-focused membership! Babe Crafted is all about connecting women business owners with like-minded entrepreneurs for mutual support, collaboration, referrals, and education-sharing. We're an action-packed girl gang of (currently) 142 women from 7 states and 3 countries. I launched the membership in January of 2018 with 30 Founding Members based in Tampa and St. Pete, FL, and I'm so proud to connect as well as highlight women from over five industries.
We help women in all stages of business build confidence, relationships & visibility through our in-person workshops, webinars, resource library, online community, public directory, and opportunities to get featured.
Tell us about yourself
I was inspired to create Babe Crafted after my first business; Boss Babe Club revealed a true need amongst women business owners. Women were craving more opportunities to be seen, celebrated, and have access to affordable education to keep building their already amazing businesses. After combining lots of feedback from entrepreneurs I knew and my experience in social media, communications, & events– the membership was born.
We're now in year 4, and more than half of our original Founding Members are still with us! I'm motivated every day by their successes, ability to overcome any challenge, and total willingness and enthusiasm for lifting one another up. It truly takes a village to build something great. I'm proud to be part of that village of support, resources & fun for biz owners.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
The ability to keep going. Honestly, the pandemic (first two years anyway) really kicked my booty. I'm fortunate that my family members have stayed safe from COVID, which is really the most important thing, but my business took a big hit. And because of that, my self-image and confidence took a hit as well. It was really, really hard to see my progress halted and to feel like there was nothing I could do except be patient and just keep showing up every day.
Something I have continued to work with my therapist on is having boundaries between myself and my business and having an identity that is more than a business owner. So I feel stronger than ever for not just getting through these two years but coming out on the other side with a better sense of self. I'm also really grateful that my members have stuck with me. That's such a compliment and honor.
What's one of the hardest things about being a business owner?
The comparison game. I love that social media is a tool for connection, and without it, I wouldn't have the business I have today, but it's also a huge source of frustration because Instagram is constantly showing me, people, who are more successful than me, who have more money, who have more followers, who have whatever that's different than me. But there's some beauty that I've taken away from this, too. The best way to combat the comparison game is to have my own specific goals. If I'm hitting my goals, then there's no space for the comparison game to trickle into my day. So for anyone out there struggling with this too, just know you are worthy and exactly where you need to be, girlfriend. Set some specific goals, be kind to yourself, and live your life.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Yes! Okay, here are three tips. One, have a clear understanding and belief in the business you're building. It'll help you on the tough days to remind yourself of your 'why,' and it'll make the good days even sweeter.
Two, be flexible because your plans and ideas will shift as you get more info about yourself and your clients. It's okay to shift and pivot. It's actually truly necessary to build a sustainable, successful business. Nobody's business looks the exact same as it did when it first launched.
Three, know your numbers and hire both financial and legal professionals. You gotta know how much money is coming in and going out of your business. You need to know what your break-even is. Also, working with professionals is going to save you time and money down the road. Bonus fourth tip: celebrate your successes every day and be proud of yourself. Have fun!
Where can people find you and your business?
https://www.instagram.com/babecrafted/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gina-deford-39294731/
https://www.facebook.com/babecrafted
Photos By: Ashlee Hamon Photography
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.