Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Haz Alaeddin of CBD Online Store, located in Laguna Hills, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
The CBD Online Store is a legal hemp marketplace that began in 2018. I tried CBD-infused cream in 2017 that got rid of my psoriasis in 2 weeks - nothing worked before on it, so I was convinced this is a product that I could get behind to help people with many different ailments that CBD has been known to help.
Tell us about yourself
I've been in the telecommunications and digital marketing business for decades, and running an e-commerce marketplace takes technical skills in addition to understanding digital marketing. I also use the store to try out experiments that, if they work out, I apply them to my digital marketing clients. What motivates me about hemp is that it is not a fad - it really works. Whether it is for sleeplessness, restlessness, nervousness, or pain, CBD can help. Also, hemp can replace plastics from fossil fuels, cotton from textiles, and bio-fuels and is even an amazing source of food. It's just a great plant, and I want to play a part in raising awareness about it.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
The biggest accomplishment was the ability to launch and build the site and begin competing against organizations that have millions in funding.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The hardest thing is managing cash flow and getting investments. It takes a lot of tracking and planning to ensure the business has enough cash for operations and marketing. Also, this space is becoming very crowded, so trying to keep customers' attention and loyalty has proven difficult, despite great reviews and customer service.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Make sure your foundation is strong. So, formally form a company and get a website, but make sure that you have a brand name that is protected with a trademark. Read up on digital marketing and white-hat SEO tactics, and finally, don't be scared to fail. Just do it and learn along the way.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://cbd-online-store.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cbd_online_store/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CBD_OnlineStore
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cbd-online-store/
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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