Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Paige Fults, Founder of Youth Aquatics, Inc., located in Boston, MA, USA.

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

My business provides quality private swim instruction to children within city markets with limited access to swimming pools. Our 1-1 lesson setting yields positive results for the swimmer, client, and intended pool environment. With only one child/one swim lesson at a time, we are able to non-exclusively operate within existing pools to provide the most quality style of swim instruction AND generate unforeseen revenue for buildings with pools. The business offers a win-win-win solution for everyone involved:

  • Children learn to swim WELL.
  • Instructors make great money while teaching a skill they have an emotional connection with.
  • Parents gain peace of mind knowing their children are safe and confident around water, and buildings with pools generate unforeseen revenue for doing what they already do (operationally speaking).

Swim instructors attend bi-annual training sessions, providing free swim instruction to underrepresented youth who would never otherwise receive private swim instruction.

Tell us about yourself

I was born and raised Texan who swam for Division One in college at Boston University. Growing up, everyone around me from all socioeconomic backgrounds had decent access to swimming pools and the ability to swim. When I moved to the northeast, I quickly realized how limiting swim instruction is, based on the access to swimming pools. I was giving swim lessons all over the Boston area and realized how there was a gap in the market. I was working at the time as a Client Success Strategist for two small startups and built my company up slowly over time - without the stress of cash flow upfront. Motivation is a fickle mistress. I have discipline daily to do what I do, knowing that my idea is solid and that people benefit from each facet of the organization's structure.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Boot-strapping the business up to this point. I have not received any investment money proving that the business model works. But in general, providing free swim instruction for populations who need it while providing a quality service to those who can afford it. I have created a model that provides for both and requires both. Children who learn to swim in a meaningful way are more psychologically (and physically) developed human beings. Everyone deserves this skill set and recreation, and I intend to bring it to as many children as I possibly can.

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

Never really allowing yourself to turn "off" -- your business is always with you.

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

  1. Start a business because you see something in your community that's missing. In my personal opinion, if the business idea is not lucrative to your community, it does not need to exist.
  2. Streamline your processes. Adherence to process is a line I live by, so when you're running a business, you must learn to streamline all the processes you establish.
  3. Automate and delegate as much as you possibly can. Many business owners possess the vision for their company but lack the ability to invite multiple visions to take hold. As a business owner, you really can't do it all!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Corporate Social Responsibility is a huge reason why I opened a business in the first place. The economy is expanding in its control over our lives and society. As corporations and businesses continue to develop new products and services, I believe it's in our best interest for businesses to take on their share of social responsibility genuinely. Consumers possess more power than they realize. The more we expect from corporations and organizations, the more they will respond to our expectations as a consumer, but we must demand it first.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.youthaquatics.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/youthaquatics/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youthaquatics/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/youthaquatics
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/youth-aquatics-inc./

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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