Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in training and education but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jason Steeves, Owner of Divine Warrior Ninjutsu, located in Moncton, NB, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I own and operate Divine Warrior Ninjutsu. We teach traditional, historical, and modern martial arts, as well as self-defense, to women, kids, seniors, and the blind.
Tell us about yourself
I am ex-military and have been involved with Ninjutsu since I was ten years old. I love what I do and turned a hobby into a career. People ask me what I do for fun, and I look at them confused and say, "This is it." You shouldn't hate your job. I've been interested in fitness and bodybuilding too, for a long time, so they mesh well together.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment would probably be getting my 15th-degree black belt. In our style, it's the highest you can get, and honestly, it freed my mind to stop looking at what I do as grades, like when I was back in school, and to see the knowledge and growth. So many people focus so much on technique and miss the bigger picture. This has, of course, translated into the business world and investing as well.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The hardest thing about being a business owner is the small mundane details. My mentor told me to focus on what only I could do and delegate the details to someone else. I have begun doing this, and it is definitely a lot easier. Now I can focus on what makes money or growth, and not admin or accounting, or scheduling, etc.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
It's probably going to be horrible at the beginning, with little to no profit and lots of work. But if you don't quit, it can't fail. That only happens in your mind; then you follow through. Next, seek out mentors to learn from and make adjustments. Find big names who have achieved not just a little but are at the top of their game in the world. Much of it is psychology.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.divinewarriorninjutsu.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DivineWarriorNinjutsu
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divinewarriorninjutsu/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BujinJason
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-steeves-8b3898158/
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.
