Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Diego Alcubierre, Co-Founder of NiteNite, located in Ottawa, ON, Canada.

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

We are an app with 100+ bedtime stories with a moral lesson that helps parents make storytime simple and fun and connect with their kids.

Tell us about yourself

I'm an entrepreneur who has been working on startups since 2006.
These days, my focus is on combining my three passions: family, running, and technology, into two incredible projects: NiteNite and the 60° North Run.

Some interesting facts:

  • We grew a solar energy newsletter to 180,000 subscribers and sold it in 2018.
  • I have a Guinness World Record, a childhood dream. (Fastest Marathon Dresses as a Tennis Player).
  • I pretty much only do three things: spend time with my family, run and work.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Creating a business that allows me to be the real owner of my time. Freedom and options are very important to me, and since 2006, when I started my business at 23 years old, I've completely controlled my destiny. It also allows me to create the products I want. Products that make a difference in people's lives and give something to the world. Just in the past two years, we've raised over $60k for charities.

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

I believe the hardest thing about being a business owner is that you are the only person accountable for the success of your business and your financial situation. There is no paycheck waiting at the end of the month just for showing up at work. On the other hand, you can control how much you earn; your income is not attached to a paycheck. You can grow as big as you want. It may seem like a subtle and small thing to say, but a lot of people don't realize the pressure it can cause on a business owner.

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

  1. Be very mindful and organized with your income and expenses. It's smart to always have some cash saved for rainy days.
  2. Being a business owner is hard but very fulfilling. When things go hard, remember why you started, and when things go well, double down on them to grow as fast as you can.
  3. Being a business owner is a lifestyle. You need to decide early on if it's something for you.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Having a successful business and life is about balance. It's very easy to get consumed by your business and neglect your health, family, and friends. Taking care of those things is as important as your business.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://getnitenite.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getnitenite
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getnitenite/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/getnitenite/

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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