Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dr. Wendy Keeney-Kennicutt, a Chemistry Tutor, Co-Founder of Brazos Watercolor Retreats, and Founder of The Sacandaga Herbalist, located in College Station, TX, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Now that I am retired, I have 3 side gigs - I sell my herbal skin cream, Dr. Wendy's Wrinkle Warrior (which I have done since inventing it in 1999), I tutor chemistry students, and I operate Brazos Watercolor Retreats, where I teach watercolor in my art studio. My customers are pretty diverse as a result of my diverse interests.
Tell us about yourself
I taught first-year chemistry at Texas A&M University for 30 years. During that time, I was also an herbalist and created my herbal skin cream. After retiring, I began to watercolor, and my friends and I started Brazos Watercolor Retreats. Now I am the primary teacher. I also still tutor chem students in my studio.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Helping students grasp difficult concepts - either in chemistry or in watercolor, then watching that ah-ha moment!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The most time-consuming part of the business is not actually doing the teaching but handling the social media - advertising the next class, etc.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be sure you have the drive to keep going even when discouraged.
- Do your homework - be sure you can pay your bills.
- I have very small home-based businesses - but you still need business insurance.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website:
http://brazoswatercolorretreats.com/
http://wendytheherbalist.com/
https://www.chem.tamu.edu/class/fyp/wkk-chem.html
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrazosWatercolorRetreats
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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