Interview on Owning a Business
WPC-101-Jennifer Madison
After I a sat down with my fiancé’s aunt Natalie to conduct a phone interview on what it is like
owning her own business, the stresses of starting out and her day to day. She has owned her
own business for 10+ years. Someday I would like to also own my own business and felt she
would be a good mentor and a great person for this interview. Below I have listed the top ten
questions and answers from this interview that I found real and insightful. I took the liberty of
paraphrasing her answers, for some were quite long.
Questions:
1. What did you find the most challenging when you first started out?
The largest hindrance you will encounter is your self-doubt. You are the one who will see
your flaws, shortcomings and failings. I started out with an idea and not much else. It
took me awhile to realize I needed a Goal, a plan, and a great accountant.
2. How much of your day is spent talking with clients vs. paperwork?
On an average day, I spend about three hours every morning, responding to client’s
emails from the night before and answering questions and custom orders. I find I could
spend all day answering emails, so I try to limit it so it doesn’t consume my every waking
moment. This works well for me.
3. How many hours would you estimate you spend working overtime or weekends?
What are weekends? (laughs at this) For real though, I try to spend my Sundays with just
my family. It gives me a break and helps me from getting burnt out. When you start a
new business, it becomes your baby. Sometimes it’s hard for a “parent” to walk away.
4. What do you find most satisfying about your work?
When I get emails from satisfied clients! I just love hearing how much they love
something I created for them. I don’t always hear back feedback weather positive or
negative, so it is nice when someone takes a little more effort.
5. What kind of education do you believe would prepare me for this work?
Just keep on the track you are going! (Business) Try to be a sponge. Absorb as much as
you can. Accountants are expensive!
6. How did you get started in this field?
My daughters. I started creating dance outfits for their dance squad and the other
parents loved them. I started getting requests for custom orders and it took off from
there. This coupled with my foundation in business and marketing.
7. How do you see new business like yours changing in the next ten years?
This is a hard one. I believe there will always be a voice for creative individuals, and a
market for those who cannot do it themselves. Even with technology and all our
achievements, people like a “personal” touch.
8. Do you think being female made a difference in this line of work?
Not in my field, but perhaps if I wasn’t my own boss it would be different. Maybe not?
9. What would you say are the biggest pressures in your line of work?
Time! There is never enough of it to go around! Learn to prioritize. This is hard but it is
something I still struggle with.
10. Any final advice for budding Entrepreneurs?
Advertise yourself. Put yourself out there. And always, always carry your business cards!
In reflection, I found the interview to be light-hearted but honest. One thing I will take
away from not only this interview but this class is to network. To put yourself out there even if
you feel foolish in doing so. I also learned that growing a business takes a lot of time, and even
those who have been in the field for years can still struggle in there day to day. That I need to
prioritize and organize to be successful. I also learned I should befriend an accountant because
they seem to come in handy. It was great to see someone who I’ve admired at being so
successful can also be so down to earth about the struggles she’s faced in becoming a business
woman.
I don’t know if this is the field I would want to pursue in the future. I am much more of a
people person. I also think I need deadlines to be successful. I am the type of person who lives
on competition and doing well. So, I think I would struggle pushing myself to keep the
momentum of the day to day. I think I would personally do better in a cooperate setting or with
a partner whom has that personal drive and motivation that will push me to be the best version
of myself. I hope others find this helpful and insightful as I did.
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