Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in public relations but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Erica D'Aurora, Founder and Owner of Gioia Communications, located in Shelton, CT, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I own the music PR agency Gioia Communications, where I work with independent artists, labels, and other companies and figures in the industry to craft their public narrative, spread the word about new releases and events, and more.
Tell us about yourself
I began my journey in the music industry when I started my international music blog Musical Notes Global. It was through that platform, which I still run today, that I discovered the world of PR, and I’ve been in it ever since. After learning the ropes while working as a senior publicist with another boutique music PR agency, this year I decided it was finally time to go out on my own, and I couldn’t be happier or more excited about building my business going forward.
It was always my greatest dream to be able to work in music, and I never take for granted the fact that I get to do what I love every day. All of the music makers out there are my biggest source of motivation because the passion they have for their work is tremendous, and I admire them for going after their own dreams and for making them come true. When you get to work with clients who dream big, it’s impossible not to do that yourself, so even on the hardest of days, I continue to find inspiration in them and the desire to do whatever I can to support them on their path to success really keeps me going. When you want the best for someone, you’ll do whatever you can to help make that happen.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I would say that my biggest accomplishment as a business owner is just that: being a business owner. It’s one of those dreams that can seem far-fetched and unattainable because it requires a lot of hard work and a gigantic leap of faith into the unknown, but when you’re willing to do the hard work and when you’re willing to take action and take that big leap into something new, all of the complicated “stuff” that comes with owning your own business is so worth it, and it’s incredibly fulfilling when your clients walk away happy.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
I think sometimes it’s hard to stay positive and to keep the same faith that you began the business with. As business owners, it can be easy to start questioning ourselves when we run into obstacles or challenges or to start comparing ourselves to other business owners and questioning why we aren’t where they are at a given moment in time. However, the reality is that every business owner is on their own journey, so I try to stay inspired and focus on how I can improve my skills and business in order to better serve my clients.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Pick something you’re good at, but not only that, choose something that moves and excites you every day because it is that excitement that is going to keep you going through all the highs and the lows, the good and the bad that comes with being a business owner. Then, once you’ve decided on what you’re going to do, whether it’s floral design, website design, or baking cakes, just do it! It’s so important not to overthink every little thing when starting a business. Of course, it’s important to look at financials, to understand whether or not the business is feasible and if it will have growth potential, but once you figure that out, the only way you’re going to actually achieve success is to just start. Even if it doesn’t work out, or you end up transforming your business into something completely different than what it was when you started, you’ll never regret trying, but you’ll always regret not trying.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.gioiacommunications.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gioiacomm
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gioiacomm/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-d-aurora-85565793/
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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