Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in training and development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Heather Stark, Founder of Grace & Grit, located in Fort Worth, TX, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Grace & Grit gives girls the tools needed to develop self-esteem and the inspiration to achieve their dreams. Each of our ten themed curriculum kits teaches lessons from influential women of history, one life story at a time.
Tell us about yourself
As a young girl, I believed I had to conform to culture's standards of what and who a girl should be: perfect body, perfect emotions, perfect face, and silence. This thought process ultimately left me empty, leading to destructive habits that held far too much control over my life. It wasn't until after a near-suicide attempt that I felt empowered enough to embrace my authentic self and resign from my position as a school counselor and start my business. I am motivated by the thought that no girl should doubt her worth.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Our school partnerships are a source of pride. We have worked with over 800 girls. Schools and Home Educators all over the country have ordered our curriculum and are putting it into practice.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Budgets and constant financials are never easy, but the hardest part was learning how to let go. I wanted to control everything in the beginning. Only to find out I was holding on to things so tightly I was impeding growth. Finding the balance between leading and controlling is essential.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Listen to your intuition. Your gut knows.
- Mistakes and failures are part of success. Don't be embarrassed by them.
- Find a mentor.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
In September of '22, I will release my first book, Her Story- a hilarious and heartfelt conversation about why beauty culture should be an option and not an expectation. It's a middle-grade book for girls and their parents that explores the history of beauty culture and examines the mindsets around makeup and hair removal practices- such as shaving, hairstyles, fashion trends, period care, and friendships.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://graceandgritbox.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/graceandgritbox/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-stark-m-edsc-a09508b2/
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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