Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sarah Romer, Founder of Avocado Ventures, located in Austin, TX, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Avocado Ventures is a boutique advisory firm that provides strategic and financial insights to visionary founders and business owners as they grow. My goal is to support them in building healthy, sustainable businesses they can operate for years to come or exit from when they are ready.
My customers are start-up founders and small business owners. Most of my clients are women with revenue in the $500K - $3M range. While I am based in Austin, TX, I deliver services remotely, serving clients across the US. I've had the privilege of working with entrepreneurs in Brooklyn, NY, Knoxville, TN, St. Louis, MO, Dallas, TX, Oakland, CA, as well as Austin.
Tell us about yourself
I put my entrepreneurial hat on for the first time in 2015, after more than a decade in corporate roles at companies like Google and PayPal. I purchased a distressed retail business in downtown Austin turned it around, and sold it for 6x the acquisition price three years later.
It was an incredibly challenging experience, personally and professionally. I was operating a business with a team of 20+, working 6 days/week retail hours with a baby and a toddler at home. Like many entrepreneurs, I would say, "If I had known what I was getting myself into, I never would have done it."
While the venture was a financial success, the accomplishment of simply getting through that difficult time and leaving the staff and the business in a better place than I found was as rewarding as anything. That experience has led me to found Avocado Ventures, to provide support and guidance to entrepreneurs along these often harrowing journeys.
I'm motivated by the inspirational and brave entrepreneurs I work with and am driven to help them navigate challenges and succeed. (and some days, just survive!)
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My number one accomplishment was surviving my salon ownership experience, selling the business while also being recognized by Salon Today magazine as a Top 200 Salon. I've only had my current business for a year, but I am feeling very accomplished right now for just getting it started and putting some structure around my offerings, and building a recurring revenue stream that allows me to support my family and invest in my continued professional development with courses, events, etc.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Balancing the needs of the business with your health and personal relationships. A business can easily become all-consuming, and you have to be thoughtful about how much energy you can give to the business and evaluate what you can realistically build with the energy and resources you have at that time. (this will change at different stages of life)
This is especially true when your business is doing well, and you want to say "Yes" to all of the opportunities that come your way. But with each opportunity comes increased responsibility, commitment, and complexity that require more time and energy.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Just Do It. There is no "perfect time" time to start a business. When you "can't stop thinking about" your business idea, it's time to harness that drive and take action.
- Be Flexible. Expect to test, learn, adapt, and course correct as you go. Do not get to hung up on any one idea or thesis. You must be willing to listen and respond to feedback from the market and your customers.
- Enjoy the Journey. Many entrepreneurs seek the "pot of gold" at the end of the rainbow. While it may come for some, the true value and reward in building a business is the personal growth and the connections that are made along the way.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.avocadoventures.co/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahromer/
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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