Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Khadya Hale, Founder of Khadya Hale, Online Business Management, located in Charlotte, NC, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

As a business operations manager, my purpose is to help female founders succeed in building their businesses in a way that aligns with their vision. These women are typically frustrated with the time they're spending on backend operations, struggling to keep up with key operational tasks, and not having time for themselves or to focus on their organization's purpose.

I support them by building sustainable infrastructure and implementing systems that will foster further growth so they can focus on the vision and mission of their organization without worry and take the time they need to focus on themselves.

Tell us about yourself

Hello, my name is Khadya, and I own Khadya Hale, Online Business Management. I didn't grow up hearing about people being business owners, so it was never an option that crossed my mind... until I ended up homeless. Even then, it started out as me just looking for a way to earn income from home. At the time (back in 2015), I was working in local government, making a decent amount of money but not enough to support myself as a single mother with four children in daycare, knowing that I had a 5th one on the way. Eventually, I could no longer afford my little two-bedroom apartment and childcare, so I had to let the apartment go.

I have always loved the structure, processes, and all things admin, so when my search into how to earn income from home yielded results for becoming a Virtual Assistant, I said, "why not?" A couple of years later, I realized that I was operating at a higher level than a "typical" Virtual Assistant. I was building business operations, training team members, and overseeing the day-to-day operations, so I transitioned my Virtual Assistant company into an Online Business Management company and have never looked back.

I had zero support starting my business, I didn't know where to turn to for help, and I was told on a regular basis by my shelter caseworker that I should get a "real job." My sole motivation at that time was to get my family into our own place and provide a better life for them. I remember crying in bed when all the kids were asleep, just wishing I had someone to help and guide me. This is when my motivation expanded and why I became so focused and passionate about supporting other women helping them not feel so alone as they build their businesses.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I believe my biggest accomplishments are building a business that has afforded me the opportunity to provide for my family in a way that I have always dreamed of and hearing my clients tell me that they can't imagine doing "such and such" without me there to support them. It always makes me feel so grateful for the path that I took and the hardships I faced to get here.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

For me, one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is separating work from time with my children. I have always been a workaholic, from my time in the Marine Corps to my work with the City of Charlotte. Owning my own business has amplified that trait tremendously. As a single mother of 6 children now, it is hard for me to turn my "work brain" off and spend time in the moment with them. It is an area that I have to be mindful of every single day because most of my kids are too young to understand why I do what I do. I take it one day at a time and make sure I go into each new day striving to do better than I did the previous day.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Make sure you've chosen something that truly sets your soul on fire - Running a business is hard work and a lot of hours. If you're doing something that doesn't really move you, you'll end up resentful and unhappy.
  2. Set boundaries - it is YOUR business, so run it in a way that suits YOU.
  3. Know your worth, and don't be afraid to charge accordingly for it.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

This journey isn't for the faint of heart or someone looking for some quick, easy money. It takes hard work and long hours. Some days you'll cry and feel like giving up, but I encourage you to just remember why you embarked on this journey, believe in yourself, and keep pushing through. You've got this!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.khadyahale.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/khadyahaleOBM/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/khadyahaleobm/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KhadyaHaleOBM
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khadyahale/

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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