Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Robyn Warren, Co-Author of Come (Out) As You Are, located in Madison, WI, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Come (Out) As You Are or COAYA is a blog sharing coming out stories and pressing issues within the LGBTQIA+ community. We have shared over fifty coming out stories as well as over a hundred other articles relating to LGBTQIA+ rights, issues, identities, culture, and growth. We found it important to celebrate the person behind the label and, more importantly, share the stories of these amazing individuals as they come out, live their lives, and inspire others. There are millions of LGBTQIA+ individuals, and we are incredibly lucky and grateful to have the opportunity to share just a fraction of their stories. We pride ourselves on being a platform that fosters an environment for individuals to feel safe, heard, and loved for who they are to their core because coming out can be one of the scariest experiences one may have to go through.
Tell us about yourself
I was interviewed by my now amazing friend and colleague Kaitlyn for a coming out story myself. After the interview, we continued talking, and I shared how important I thought this blog was and that I was happy, if not excited, to see someone do something of this sort. Through further discussion, Kaitlyn asked me to come aboard as the media manager and co-author, given my experience in media management and organizational leadership. Having a vast knowledge of law enforcement, corporations, and legislation, she figured I would also be a great source when it came to writing some articles. So I suppose we can say the rest is history. What motivates me to keep going is seeing the work Kaitlyn, and I do and recognizing the positive impact it has on the community we are both a part of and serve. We had a reader recently comment on an article I wrote, stating, "Thank you so much for this post. You've given me a deeper and more thorough understanding and appreciation of my son's transition from female to male, as well as his feelings towards law enforcement officers. I have shared your blog on my FB page."
It was at that moment it really hit me that we are opening our eyes and changing lives. What was once a dream of Kaitlyn's is now an eye-opening and life-changing experience for others, and I am, on a daily basis, grateful to have the opportunity to be part of such an amazing duo
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
The biggest accomplishment we've had was gaining such a large following and seeing this take off, given the current political and cultural climate. We went to two local pride events in our first year as a blog, and we have two more set up for this month. I have also done a lot of community outreach in my area, which is known for being the most liberal and LGBTQIA+ city in the state. We have also been featured in rather large LGBTQIA+ publications such as the GA Voice, Q Magazine, and Means Happy, so we are definitely having an impact and being seen.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
This is a passion project, which means sometimes everyday life can get in the way of things. I recently navigated helping a family member through some medical issues, then myself having medical issues due to an accident. This was all while navigating full-time college and working part-time for the college with a three-hour commute round trip. However, being able to help others and share insights and stories makes it all worth it.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Do something you're passionate about and love. It sounds cliche, but it's so true. You could make millions doing something you hate and be miserable, or you could make fifty thousand a year doing something you love and be incredibly happy.
- Don't look back because you're not going in that direction. Stay focused on what you want to do, and don't lose sight of who you are as an individual and what your goal is.
- Don't forget to take care of yourself. If your mental and physical health is suffering, take a step back and take care of yourself. Don't let anyone else dictate what that looks like for you.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://comeoutasyouare.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/comeoutasyouare
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comeoutasyouare/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/comeoutasyouare
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/comeoutasyouare/
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.