Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in home development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Rebekah Bashorun, Founder of Organize For Love, located in Staten Island, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We offer services and products that feel like therapy for the home, such as In-Home Professional Organizing which creates holistic solutions to disorganization and clutter. Our deepest intention is for families to come home, feel inspired, and be able to connect due in a healthy and happy environment.
Tell us about yourself
I personally grew up not feeling at home due to how cluttered it was. I experienced first-hand how clutter impacts the entire family. My parents struggled to let things go, which impacted me greatly. Additionally, the mess and clutter warped my sense of self, causing me to feel deep shame and embarrassment. I struggled to grasp the concept of home. There were several upsides to growing up in a big family and being raised by creative entrepreneur parents. They also inspired togetherness, laughter, and sibling love was a high priority. I always felt like a more structured and organized space would unlock so much more. Thinking of my upbringing with the limitations and impact of clutter keeps me going. Thinking about how others who don't want to live in clutter but don't know how to change their circumstances motivates me daily.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I grew my audience from 0-20,000 users across all my platforms organically. I know some people have millions of followers, but this number doesn't affect me because I know the intention and focus it took to build a community. I'm constantly trying to learn and improve my platform, which is a blessing. I've literally built Organize For Love from nothing. It was once an idea, and I've brought/bringing it to life. I will forever be proud of that.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Bootstrapping. Using my own money and lacking access to capital is one of the hardest things. I don't have a family member to tap into for a loan. It's hard being a black female entrepreneur breaking generational curses.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
First, research, research, research. Take the time to learn and talk to the people you want to serve, conduct interviews with them, document their answers and be upfront and genuine about it. I still do this today. Take the time to learn who they are, listen, and be clear on how you can help them. Second, don't be afraid to niche down and speak to a subgroup; there's so much power in finding a community that's obsessed about the same thing you're obsessed about. Three, work on your backend systems daily so you're prepared for the growth when it comes. There's nothing worse than wanting to go viral, praying for new clients and opportunities, and not being able to manage the influx and attention. When you actually get the attention you're seeking- what do you plan to do with it? Your systems, like CRM, scheduling links, email workflows, clarity on your offer, onboarding, etc., are going to be your saving grace. It's also showing the universe that you're ready for the thing that you're asking for.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I'm still learning, growing, pivoting, and working through my own insecurities. Fortunately, your fears and doubts don't go away. I say fortunately because, without something to improve, I feel like we'd get bored or take what we have for granted. Recently, I've looked at feedback as a blessing because they're a roadmap to where we can do better. And feedback can come from the outside or inside. I used to take feedback as a rejection or like I was a failure, so I needed to shift my perspective, especially if I wanted to thrive as an entrepreneur.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.organizeforlove.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/organizeforlove
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/organizeforlove/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebekahbashorun/
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.