Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sandra Hardy, Founder and CEO of Bootz To Heelz, LLC., located in Raleigh, NC, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business helps small business owners in their first five years to grow and expand their business by providing business coaching, personal and business brand development, and social media marketing to grow the client's audience and presence in order to organically reach their ideal customers and to help develop business structure as well as train employees and business owners how to successfully work together to grow the business.
Tell us about yourself
In 2003, my life took a turn for the worst in an already chaotic and heavy-hearted time. I was on active duty, and it was the middle of wartime. I was preparing soldiers to leave their loved ones to go to battle. I got a phone call that changed my life; The Red Cross called to tell me my mother had a massive stroke. Being an only child, I instantly became my mother's caregiver. Just like that, I was nondeployable and was told I would be put off active duty. The emotions I felt that day were sadness, fear, stress, confusion, overwhelm, and a great sense of powerlessness.
You see, I was already a single parent to a minor child, and now I was going to lose income for my entire family. I realized at that moment I never wanted to feel so helpless to provide for my family ever again, but I also knew I never wanted anyone else to have to choose between family or career. This was where my business was conceived. I took my talents and gifts and began to talk to and encourage others to become entrepreneurs to maintain their power to provide for themselves and their families.
My business Bootz to Heelz, has now evolved into this amazing company where I coach and consult entrepreneurs to have successful businesses. What motivates me is seeing the look on a business owner's face when they gain another client or accomplish a goal they set for the business that keeps them financially stable. It's that look of satisfaction on my client's face that brings satisfaction to my face.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is truly watching my clients win! I have been featured on amazing podcasts and in magazines, but my biggest win is when my clients win.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing about becoming a business owner is realizing you are not able to save them all. Everyone is not your ideal customer, and therefore you cannot say "yes" to everyone.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Know your product or service is something that others desire or need.
- Know who you are meant to serve and why they need your product or service.
- Understand that it is your uniqueness and individual personal gifts that will set you apart from everyone else in your industry. Stand out, and don't blend in!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Growing a business does require time, focus, intentionality, and patience. Celebrate your wins and give yourself time to grow. You cannot start a business today and expect to be making millions by tomorrow. Just like corn takes time to grow, a business needs its gestation period as well to take root and flourish. Don't give up!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://bootztoheelz.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sandra.hardy.710
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardy7048/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bootz-to-heelz-academy/
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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