Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Reni Odetoyinbo, founder of Reni The Resource, located in Mississauga, ON, Canada.

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

Reni The Resource is a financial education and content creation platform. We create educational content to teach BIPOC folks ages 18-35 about money and career development in an easily accessible manner. Services include creating content on social media, hosting workshops and webinars, one-on-one career consulting, and partnering with multinational corporations to promote their products and/or services. The goal is to level the playing field so that all of us can win!

Tell us about yourself

I am someone who loves seeing other people win! People call me Reni, The Resource, because I openly and freely share resources with others. I purchased my house at the age of 23, and a lot of people had questions for me - they wanted to know how I did it and how they could do the same. This inspired me to start my channel and share the knowledge I had with others. What motivates me each day is the testimonies I hear from my audience - every time someone tells me that I inspired them to start budgeting, begin investing, to negotiate their salary, it makes my heart happy! We are all capable, but we don't all have the same access. I hope to break down those barriers.

In the financial and career education space, there aren't many people who make content that is easily understood by the average person. It is usually extremely complex and not relevant to the plight of most people. There also aren't many Black and Brown women who are making content in these spaces, so these audiences feel as though they can't relate to their instructors. I am filling this gap and serving as a relatable and accessible figure in the community, and offering services that are both valuable and affordable.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is every time I hear that my work has impacted someone's life positively. I am helping more people become financially literate and teaching them how to level up their careers, and that means the world to me.

Another accomplishment is being selected for YouTube Black's Class of 2022. This is a program to directly support Black creators and artists so that they can thrive on YouTube. I was one of 5 creators chosen in Canada, which was a great honor.

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

One of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is having to do everything by yourself. I went from working in corporate and specializing in marketing to now being a solopreneur making marketing, accounting, finance, sales, and more. It's a lot! Everything is on your shoulders, so you can't drop the ball.

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

  1. Make sure you are passionate about it! When the momentum dies down, your love & passion for your craft will keep you going.
  2. If you can start while you still have a steady income from your full-time job, please do. Entrepreneur income can be very up and down each month. Pursuing the business while still having a consistent income will make it much easier.
  3. Understand that your friends and family may not support you initially, and that is okay. They are not your target market. Focus on appealing to your target market and making the best product/service for them.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

To all aspiring business owners...seek mentorship. Learn from those who are where you want to be. They have already made the mistakes, so you don't have to.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://renitheresource.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xoreni/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/xoreniii
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reniodetoyinbo/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.