Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lauren Eckhardt, CEO of Burning Soul Collective, located in Nashville, TN, USA.

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

My business is Burning Soul Collective, and my customers are anyone and everyone with a story to tell.

Tell us about yourself

I spent twelve years in the human resources field, chasing degrees, certifications, and promotions, always successful but never fulfilled. I kept going for what I was supposed to have to elevate myself versus the things that actually felt purposeful. Once my boys were born - my why - I finally wrote my first book and became an author, which had been my dream since I was six. Once I became an author, other people asked for my help to write and publish their books. Every time I helped someone, my soul was lit on fire, and a new dream emerged: helping people share their stories and overcome the challenge of writing about their journeys and struggles.

I started Burning Soul Press in April 2020 as a one-woman show to serve as a book coach and publisher. Within months, it quickly grew to a six-figure company with an amazing team that helps our global clients reach their author goals. Now, we are Burning Soul Collective, focused a lot more on offering writer support and community, with guidance on publishing for those who want it.

It's been an amazing experience exploring new dreams and goals that have come into my path, and I now lead a life I couldn't have imagined even three years ago. Every day, I am motivated by my mission to normalize the truths of who we are by creating safe spaces that allow sharing of people's stories to build deeper connections that inspire light, hope, empowerment, and comfort. We're all in this life together, and I believe when we share our stories, we give others hope.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My answer is simple. Spending every day pursuing my dream and using my skills to fuel my passion. I am living other people's dreams by simply doing what I love with my time. I could name accolades, awards, and financial milestones, but the bigger picture of living a full life is my biggest accomplishment in my eyes.

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

Honestly, the entrepreneurial habit of being in create mode. As a business owner, you have the power to do whatever you want whenever you want. If I decide one day to offer something new, I can create it right then! It's empowering to be able to follow your gut and get to work when inspiration strikes, but it's also important to focus on building something that lasts. For me, that means being consistent in the eyes of my customers and focusing on offering the few core services I'm really, really good at rather than all of the things I CAN offer.

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

  1. You have to be willing to take risks. That's where the growth comes from.
  2. You have to be willing to hire help or outsource, even when you don't feel ready to make that move. Take the things off your plate that drain your energy and time the most. You'll see the fruit of that decision pretty quickly.
  3. You have to understand that not every day will be a dream. There will be rough days, and that's okay. If you know this is your mission in life, then nothing should ever stop you from fighting every single day for its success.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.burningsoulcollective.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/burningsoulcollective
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/burningsoulcollective/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BurningSoulCo
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/burning-soul-collective/

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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