Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in media and entertainment but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Chuck Lee, Founder of CROSSxOVER, located in Richmond, TX, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I'm the founder of a blog called CROSSxOVER, a site and event company dedicated to highlighting street culture, focusing on streetwear, art, music, sports, and gaming. It's easy to say we're focusing on a younger-skewing generation, but really it's for all ages.
Tell us about yourself
I was in the advertising business for 16 years. Once the pandemic hit, I started to get really burnt out. The work was not engaging or fulfilling. What always kept my interest was my passion for sneakers and art. Knowing that there were many other sites out there, I said to hell with it and started my own anyway. There is no perfect time to start anything. The most important step is the first one, so that's what I did. Knowing that there's someone or something cool within these creative industries yet to be discovered is what keeps me going.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Being able to keep my reputation as someone people want to work with, regardless of things don't pan out.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Rocky Balboa said it best: "The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It's a very mean and nasty place, and I don't care how tough you are. It will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't about how hard ya hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done!" The willpower to continue to move forward is the most difficult thing for a business owner. But it's also the most crucial.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Planning ahead is by far smarter than just diving into a "sink or swim" scenario. Anyone who tells you to just quit your job and do it the next day is not giving you good advice. Have goals and plan things out.
- Find like-minded people to help you. You can't do it all on your own, and that's ok.
- Your reputation/character is by far your best selling point. Don't just sell a product; sell yourself, your vision, and what you believe in.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.crossxover.life/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crossxover.life
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crossxover/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CROSSxOVER_Life
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crossxover/
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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