Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kalyn Wolf, Owner of Cloud Nine Flotation, located in Tucson, AZ, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My customers are the Truth Seekers, the Adventurous, the Elite Athletes, and the Risk Takers who are sincere and excited to experience what is possible. They are also the wounded, the courageous, and the brave.
Tell us about yourself
I first got started in the business of Sensory Deprivation (Flotation) Tanks when I was 28 years old. I have always been interested in what is possible. When I found myself in a float tank, I was able to explore my mind in a way that meditation couldn't allow me because, in a float tank, you are completely lifted from any outside sensory information. No distractions at all. When I emerged from my first experience, I felt refreshed in a way I had never felt refreshed before. I was at peace, my body felt free and light, and my mind felt released.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is still being a business owner in the arena I love. My business made it through TWO financial devastations. In the 80s, there was AIDS, and in 2020-present, my business was drastically affected. But we're still here.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Probably the hardest thing I deal with is flakey people. I'm talking about employees and clients. People who don't want to put in the work it takes for personal growth and feel entitled to have it all NOW.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Have a passion for it because there will be days you absolutely would rather do something else.
- Make sure you have financial backing before you quit your day job. There are few things more heartbreaking than putting everything on the line and having to quit RIGHT before you make it.
- Be prepared to be accountable for everything. You will no longer be working 40 hours a week; you'll be working all the time because your mind is with your business. In the beginning, it's like a rocket ship...the greatest amount of energy expended is at the start. There is a huge difference in the mindset of an owner vs. an employee. Get ready to make the shift unless you are a born owner. Without that owner mindset, you are doomed. If you don't know what I'm talking about, read some books.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Business ownership is a joy when you are prepared for the hard days and the glorious days. I would go so far as to say; that there are far more glorious days when you are prepared for the hard ones. Appreciate them. Even appreciate your REALLY hard clients. It's ok to fire a client. The customer is not always right, and if a customer is taking 90% of your headspace and time, they better be giving you 90% of your income.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://floattucson.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CloudNineFlotation/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cloudninefloattucson/
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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