Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Hollie Nguyen, Founder of The Guru, located in Los Angeles, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
The Guru is an online course that helps people become the ultimate content creator. Our core customer is anyone who desires to become a content creator but needs more knowledge to get started.
Tell us about yourself
I've been in marketing and branding for over a decade, and I enjoyed being able to scale businesses as well as help influencers/content creators dominate social media.
After years of working in the corporate world, I wanted to do more by sharing my knowledge with others, and that's how Guru started. Social media can be overwhelming, but it's much easier when you have someone to guide you through the maze and help you identify all the tips and tricks for success.
Being an entrepreneur comes with challenges, but hearing all the success stories from my content creators motivates and inspires me to keep going. Every time I listen to them succeed or secure another brand deal, it brings joy to my heart because I know I'm helping others grow their businesses/following.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is seeing the fruits of my labor pay off. I am proud of being able to grow my internal team, create jobs, and train the next generation of marketers/content creators.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Many people glamorize the idea of being an entrepreneur/business owner. It does come with fabulous perks, but there are some hard things that many people don't talk about. One of the hardest things about being a business owner is the exhaustion from sleepless nights, but it comes with the territory. I always remind myself to be grateful because these hard times will pay off in the end.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
There are so many tips that I would like to share, but the top three would be...
Make sure you have a great support system. Building a business can be emotionally and financially draining, so make sure you have friends or family you can depend on to get you through the hard times.
Never give up. Trust me, it's hard, but not every business idea is a million-dollar idea. You have to learn to get back up and power through it.
Finally, the last tip is to make sure your idea is a natural extension of you or your passion. I've seen many businesses fail because the owner had no idea or love for the company they were getting into. It's easy to think that you can come in and dominate a specific category. Still, starting a business in a niche, you are familiar with or passionate about growing is more innovative.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.theguru.com/pages/the-guru
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegurunow
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegurunow/
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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