Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in training and education but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ruqayyah Brown, Co-Founder of Homeschool Queens, located in London, UK.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are Homeschool Queens, a global platform that empowers Muslim parents worldwide to take back the reins on their child's educational journey through tailored curriculums, homeschool support, and events.
Tell us about yourself
We are both homeschooling mums from the UK; we're actually friends who go back 15 years too. One day when speaking together on WhatsApp, we realized that we both really wanted to start something up, a business to sustain us, as we didn't enjoy the jobs that we were in. We realized a common problem in the homeschooling/child education industry, a lack of resources for Muslim families. This was a lightbulb moment for us; as Khalila is a writer by profession and Ruqayyah a graphic designer, we merged our skills together to start creating what we knew was wanted and needed. This is what motivates us every day, knowing that we are bringing ease and fun into homeschools worldwide, we are serving people just like us, and this is our biggest passion.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
It would have to be the number of people we've connected with since starting. We didn't expect to grow so fast with a total audience of around 10,000 in our second year of business. It's funny because there are others who offer similar products to ours who have been around for way longer, and so naturally, you would think it will take some time to make that impact. What we've learned is that people have needs, and you can always fulfill them in your own unique way. We didn't just create resources; we put a whole strategy into it and used what works really well in our own families, which our audience appreciates. You just have to be you in your business, and that is what's attractive.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Organization! Getting everything organized when you have so many tasks and projects on the go. Especially as we are two founders with our own ways of organization, but growing and scaling a business requires systems in place to keep everything together. There have been times when we had a miscommunication or no structure, and that resulted in mistakes in product delivery, for example.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Start with passion. This is the main thing that has kept us going through all the highs and lows. Do something that you could do every day for the rest of your life because it lights your heart up.
- Get in the crowds of people who you want to serve. This is the best way you can learn what people really want and how they are communicating it and give yourself ideas of ways you can serve in your own business. Listen with an open mind.
- Market yourself EVERY DAY! We can't stress that one enough. Even on the days when you feel like you're being overlooked, keep showing up. That consistency you're building is creating your reputation; it's what makes people feel confident in you. And the great thing is, with consistency, you'll learn who you are and what you want to do. Some years will be different from others, your goals will have evolved, and because of the consistency you've built, you'll feel more ready to chase them!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: http://www.homeschoolqueens.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/homeschoolqs
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homeschoolqueens/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/homeschoolqs
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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