Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lexie Smith, Founder of ThePRBAR Inc. and Co- Founder of Ready Set Coach Program, located in Ventura, CA, USA.

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

I have two, actually! My first business is THEPRBAR inc. - an online coaching brand and platform that teaches entrepreneurs how to expand their influence, impact, and revenue through relationship-driven marketing and PR. My second company, Ready Set Coach - I am a co-founder - is an all-inclusive 4-month program built specifically for those looking to build a profitable coaching program that supports their dream lifestyle.

Tell us about yourself

I can pinpoint the exact moment the personal "need" for my first business THEPRBAR inc. was born. I was a 26-year-old VP at a fast-growing 8-figure Inc. 5000 company burning the candle at both ends. One day, my body literally gave out from stress while in the office, and I had to be carried out of work to the hospital on a make-shift stretcher. This was a  wake-up call telling me that something needed to change. While recovering, I began to consider my long-awaited transition into entrepreneurship seriously. I knew I wanted to stick to my "zone of genius" – PR, marketing, and business development, but I also knew I needed to create a business model that would support a healthy lifestyle. I was listening to a podcast when I was introduced to the world and concept of coaching. I did quite a bit of sampling and testing of the existing market offerings. I quickly realized a large gap between done-for-you services (agencies), hands-off online courses, and generic group programs. Fast-forward, instead of trying to fit into a pre-existing mold that I didn't feel was "cutting it," I decided to create option C – a done WITH you program focused purely on conversion. Sprinkle in a late-night "aha" of what would become the fun and pun-centered brand of THEPRBAR inc. My idea was fully born.

My second company, Ready Set Coach, was born similarly - from identifying a clear gap and need in the market with my friend and co-founder, Emily Merrell. Having already built successful and sustainable coaching programs, we set out to teach others to do the same.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Seeing what I teach pay off for my clients. Whether through THEPRBAR inc. or Ready Set Coach, whenever I have a client who implements what I teach and positively impacts their life and business, I feel both reaffirmed and motivated to keep doing what I do. Their successes make me feel that I am doing my job as a coach.

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

"All things mindset" - I have yet to meet a single entrepreneur that hasn't dealt with mindset hurdles at some point (or many points) in their journey. Entrepreneurship is a mental roller coaster from imposter syndrome to "Should I just quit and get a day job."

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

  1. Start with your WHY and reverse engineer your business accordingly. I did this for THEPRBAR Inc. and what we teach at Ready Set Coach. If your WHY is freedom, make sure to build a business that allows you to have freedom.
  2. Find a support system - from a coach to a community, accountability buddy, or otherwise.
  3. Allow yourself to adapt and evolve - to the way of the world, your industry, your customers, etc. Always keep an open mind, keep learning, and adjust your business (or strategies) accordingly.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

If you are looking for more growth, PR, marketing, or business tips, check out my podcast - Pitchin' and Sippin' - streaming on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://theprbarinc.com/

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/theprbar_inc/
https://www.instagram.com/readysetcoachprogram/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LexieSmithPR
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexie-smith-pr/

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.