Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in advertising services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Vannesia Darby, CEO of MOXIE Nashville, located in Nashville, TN, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
MOXIE Nashville is a brand development company. We empower, equip and help people get their businesses together.
Tell us about yourself
I started MOXIE Nashville in graduate school, and it was supposed to be a temporary transition. I was already working in digital marketing at a record label and always freelanced on the side, but I did not know the language of consulting. I just knew that after people talked to me, they would leave empowered and ready to work on their businesses. It took me a while to find the business model that worked for me. Nearly seven years later, we're still here! I know how imperative it was for me to transition into entrepreneurship in order to help others. I absolutely love the opportunities my business affords me and the ways it's been able to help me parlay to other ventures, such as a full-time role with Shondaland.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
First and foremost, my biggest accomplishments are always seeing someone take the tools we give them and create a business they're proud of or go negotiate a higher salary. That's always amazing. Personally, I received the Volunteer of the Year award from the Nashville Chapter of the American Marketing Association. It means a lot to be recognized by your peers for your work.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The hardest thing that comes with being a business owner is redefining what balance means to you and finding systems that accommodate your lifestyle. My hunger, coupled with a lack of self-care, got the best of me when I was diagnosed with an autoimmune issue about three years into my entrepreneurship journey. Although not debilitating, it forced me to slow down and become selective with my work. I had to evaluate what services we offered, our ideal client, and more. As entrepreneurs and high performers, we don't always discuss the physical toll that ambition can have on the body – especially when you work in fast-paced industries.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Make sure you really want to start a business - it's a lot of work and energy!
- Always keep your personal and professional dollars separate.
- Take my Get Your Business Together® Course!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://moxienashville.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vannesiadarbyllc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vannesiadarby/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/vannesiadarby
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vdarby/
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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