Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Mike Lee, co-founder, and CEO of Soul CBD, located in Los Angeles, CA, USA.

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

Soul Wellness is an all-natural solution to anxiety, sleep & pain. It was created out of a passion for helping people feel better and thrive without side effects. Our customers are anyone who is looking for an effective and safe way to heal. We have the best-tasting CBD on the planet!

Tell us about yourself

I was a professional athlete for ten years. In the middle of my career, I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. On eight different medications, dealing with chronic pain and at my lowest point, I decided I would do whatever it took to get healthy. Despite doctors telling me I would never compete again, I got back into the ring, going on to be one of the best fighters in the world, winning titles and fighting for the World Title in 2019. I eventually got off of all medication and back to doing what I love by educating myself on all the natural solutions to healing. Discovering CBD was a huge catalyst for change for me. After going through so much pain in my life, my mission now post sports is to help as many people as possible get out of pain as well. That was the birth of Soul Wellness.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I started the company after breaking my rib in the 2nd round of a title fight on national TV in front of my hometown of Chicago. I went eight more rounds with a broken rib, winning the title belt, and shortly after rushed to the hospital, where I spent the rest of the night. This kept me out of the ring for six months. The time off and pain were a blessing in disguise, and despite dealing with pain daily, I focused on a mission bigger than myself. Honestly, even though we have had incredible growth, the pure origin story of our company, given the circumstances, is personally my biggest accomplishment as a business owner. The pain was a gift.

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

When you start a company from nothing with your own capital, it becomes your baby. As the business grows and you begin to hire more and more employees, it becomes difficult to stay out of every detail. However, at some point, it is important to give your team autonomy to help build the team and mission without you. This allows you as a leader to empower your team and keep everyone in their zone of genius.

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

  1. Have to passion. Period. The reason I became one of the best athletes in the world in my sport was passion. Pure obsession. I was willing to learn and outwork everyone around me and continue to grow & get better.
  2. Manage the highs and lows. You are about to get yourself into a very risky endeavor. More businesses and people fail. Understand that how you mentally manage the highs and lows will be the most important factor in the success of the business. Your mentality is everything and infectious to the entire team/company/mission.
  3. Check your ego. You are not the smartest person in the room at all times. Find people to join the team who are smarter than you in certain areas/specialties. You are only as good as the team you hire. Treat them with empathy and encouragement. Create an environment where people don't want to let you down vs. being motivated by fear. Ideas, creativity, problem-solving, and passion come from a high-energy state...not fear.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Try to play more. The importance of laughter and play is massive. I often forget this, and my sister Angie is a constant, amazing reminder of this. Have fun; life is short.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.mysoulcbd.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mySoulCBD/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikeleeboxing
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-lee-308bbb56/

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.