Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Nicole Pauling, Founder of LGBTQ Homeschool Association, located in Hellam, PA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I have created an educational support network for LGBTQ students, parents, and teachers focusing on homeschooling and resources for the diverse needs of LGBTQ families.
Tell us about yourself
I was homeschooling my son, who is autistic, and I was also raising a transgender foster child. I looked for resources to help me homeschool and found that we were excluded because my foster child was not welcome. To join the local homeschooling group, I would be banned from ever talking about him or bringing him with me to events. I wasn't willing to do that so; instead, I had no one to turn to with questions that came up as I homeschooled.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I have always really enjoyed finding unfilled needs and niches and filling them. All of my businesses have been related to children, and I am really grateful that I have positively impacted so many of their lives.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
A lot of people believe that because you own a business, you have a lot of flexibility, but the truth is I'm never really off. There is always something more that needs to be done.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Find something that is needed, and people either aren't doing or aren't doing well.
- Self-Finance at the start; use debt later. Debt is an anchor when you are just starting out and a growth tool once you're established and have proven your concept.
- You can make money by literally doing anything. Take what you love and turn it into a concept that makes money and adds value to the lives of others who also love that thing.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I have run multiple successful businesses, and the one thing that they really have in common is the ability to connect with people and help them. Provide excellent customer service, respond quickly, give options, and be willing to think outside of the box.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://lgbtqhomeschool.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AcademyofWonderOrg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolepaulingteachesoutschool/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolepauling/
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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