Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in training and education but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Giorgi Koguashvili, Founder of Brooklyn Basketball Academy, located in Brooklyn, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Brooklyn Basketball Academy is a youth basketball school based in Brooklyn, NY. We teach students how to be effective basketball players on the court through intense skill training sessions and team practices. Our student's age range is 6 to 17.
Tell us about yourself
I came to the United States from Georgia when I was 16 years old on a basketball scholarship to continue my academic and athletic carrier at Mountain State Academy (Prep School) in Beckley, West Virginia. After my junior year, the school closed down because of financial difficulties, and I found myself at a host family in Tennessee, Chattanooga, and went to a private school - Hamilton Heights Christian Academy. After graduating from HHCA, I received a number of NCAA D1, and D2 scholarship offers to continue my education and basketball carrier. After graduating from the University of Minnesota - Crookston, I moved to NYC to find myself because I was not sure what I wanted in life. While working in different industries, I started coaching basketball on weekends at NYC parks as a side job. After a couple of weeks, my customer base grew tremendously, and I rented a gym space at Greek Orthodox Church in Kings Highway, Brooklyn. Everything started from there. What motivates me the most is the dedication level of the students that come to me. They are all super motivated and work really hard to get better, and the coaches are on the same page, so we all work really hard during our training sessions. Nothing is better than watching kids improve their skills and seeing how it boosts their self-esteem and confidence.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is opening my own basketball court in Brooklyn, NY. I always had issues with finding enough hours to train my students and prepare them for high-level basketball, so one day, I decided to find a warehouse and turn it into a basketball court, and I did it this summer.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I would say managing different individuals and hiring the right personnel is probably the toughest part.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Don't start a business only for money. If your only motivation is money, you will have a hard time finding success. You really have to enjoy and love what you do. You have to ALWAYS provide the highest quality service you can for your customer base, and that way, you will find success.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://bkbasketballacademy.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bk_basketballacademy/
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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