PVCC students were in for a real treat on Thursday, February 24th as they got to hear five PVCC Alumni Entrepreneurs share their insights and perspectives relative to their role as entrepreneurs.
The inspiring Panelists and their current areas of career focus:
- Helanda Crespin, WritersKramp Editing Services, LLC
- Nyreesha Evans, True Growth Coaching, LLC
- Afam Nwambuonwo, Zona Physical Therapy, LLC
- Uche Nwambuonwo, Zona Physical Therapy, LLC
- Wilson Okwuobu, ConVey Concierge, LLC
The panelists shared their insight on the following questions.
How did the idea for your business come about?
Helanda - My passion, initially, was just to offer to help people expand their content. I started doing editing jobs for free for students, authors, consumers and businesses. I knew I had to do some research to reach my target audience. I had the name WritersKramp in my journal for 20 years.
Afam - Different ways to go about the physical therapy business: inpatient, outpatient, hospitals, pediatrics. We wanted to bring our own brand of physical therapy. We decided to start and work our way into the occupation.
Wilson - I transported my grandma’s car to Camelback Toyota. I realized how empty the waiting room was and thought I can do this for other people. I explored the market opportunities.
How did you build a successful customer base?
Uche - Network while you work for other people and continue honing your craft. In our field, gravity always wins so people need our services.
Nyreesha - I continue to be me, continue to work on myself as well as my business. Having mentors has provided me with so much support.
What worried you the most as you started your business venture? What excited you most about starting your business venture?
Afam - I felt pretty comfortable where I was at as I did not have to worry about a lot. I thought, do I know enough or is this just a pipe dream? Yet, those uncertainties give you the adrenalin rush. It’s exciting and you just have to jump in.
Helanda - I was pretty comfortable starting out. My worries came later, when I had different clients with different needs. I needed to develop my technology skills. I stayed on task as I was so excited about the content that was coming in. At seven years into my business, I was fearful about which route to go. As an entrepreneur, you never get comfortable as there will always be challenges. You need to be ready to pivot.
Wilson - Everyone wants the American dream and to be able to provide for their families. I feared the shame or loss of not making it, of having to return to a comfort space, of not making my family proud or disappointing myself. I feared not being enough.
Who helped you most along the way?
Nyreesha - I have been blessed to have a support system and internal foundation. I had three mentors. I strive to network with as many different business owners and people as possible.
Uche - My mom was a huge support for us, she said, “go do it.” My in-laws owned a home health company, they pushed and encouraged us and opened doors for us.
Did you need to raise funds for your venture? If yes, how did you do this?
Afam - Home health care does not require a building. We did not have to raise capital funds to start out.
Helanda - I didn’t have to raise funds, however, I did use my own savings to start. I have an accountant, a marketer and a technology expert in my family who helped me a lot. I went to the bank to get a small business loan to purchase a computer, printer and software. When COVID hit, my finances took a turn. If you have a job, keep it; expenses can put a strain on you.
Wilson - Yes, I received funds from a small business loan and small business grant. The incubator money I received enabled me to have the financial support to make mistakes with. For my second business, I used money I had saved and “food strapping” such as eating ramen.
What suggestions and/or considerations do you have for someone aspiring to be an entrepreneur?
Nyreesha - Enjoy the journey, you will learn and go through so much. Take in everything you can. You always think you’re not where you should be; it’s where you are supposed to be, do not try to rush things. Start out small and keep growing and learning.
Uche - The business is something bigger than yourself. I’m doing it not just for my gain. I want to make a footprint outside of myself. Find something bigger than yourself to strive for: we are building a school in Nigeria. This is a little reminder to push yourself.
Entrepreneurship is often referred to as a mindset. With that in mind, how did you prepare yourself for the work that you currently do?
Wilson - I didn’t, life prepares you for entrepreneurship, it just kind of comes to you. Iron sharpens iron! You see what others do, you’re thinking of better ways to do it. Listen to the Start-Up podcast by Gimlett, read books such as Rich Dad Poor Dad and Think and Grow Rich. Experiences in life prepared me.
Helanda - You just know it. When I was very young I told my mom I wanted to be a “business woman for myself.” My preparation started early, I always wanted to be a writer and work with literature. I’m still learning and preparing for tomorrow. On this journey, sometimes you have to walk alone and you have to sit with yourself. I have a growth mindset rather than a fixed mindset.
Afam - The big picture was my mind set. Sometimes we limit ourselves to our comfort level. I keep learning and honing my skills.
How did you market your business and what tactics have been the most successful?
Nyreesha - Getting more in the public eye; meet people in person. As a life coach you have to be vulnerable. I post videos and share coaching techniques. I utilize virtual marketing and have a social media presence. Word of mouth has also enabled me to expand my business.
Audience Questions
What has been your biggest failure?
Uche - My advice is to hire good people; hiring your friends is not often the best option.
Nyreesha - My first business was in cosmetics and skin care. I received a cease and desist letter as I was just about to launch my product. Understand how to protect your brand and how to trademark it. An L.L.C. does not protect your brand.
How did you know where to place yourself?
Wilson - You must know where to apply patience and pressure. I have a whole notepad of ideas. Passion is critical, so it doesn’t feel like work. Find the one thing you're obsessed with and can’t stop thinking about and then do it!
Helanda - Do your research to find out what the market is doing. I didn’t do enough research on my competitors. You want your product to hit your target market.
Nyreesha - What is the one thing that you constantly think about. When I’m coaching, I can do it in my sleep because I love it. Do what you’re naturally good at, if it doesn’t work out do something else.
One last piece of advice…
Helanda - Never give up.
Afam - It’s going to be hard, just work hard.
Wilson - Take the risk, you can make cheap mistakes now. Patience, presence and passion is critical.
Uche - Enjoy the journey.
Nyreesha - Operate with grace and accountability