Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal and business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Melissa Kaye, Founder of Gather 4 Impact, located in Memphis, TN, USA.

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

Gather 4 Impact is a high-level coaching program that brings greater focus and results when bringing people together. Whether business, fun, holidays, family, or community, the human need for connection and belonging is strong. Our customers are event hosts and facilitators that choose to invest in the outcome of time spent gathering. Through the four pillars of effectual meetings, our clients are able to maximize the impact and outcome each time they bring humans together. These skills assist both in attendee buy-in and also do away with wasted time in gatherings that don't serve a purpose.

Tell us about yourself

Gathering people has always been a natural passion for me. When I attend gatherings, I am constantly observant of how the audience in the room is responding. Whether a dance performance, birthday party, sales meeting, corporate product launch, or retreat, my curiosity is constantly in full engagement as I observe what effect the gathering is having. After numerous comments regarding the nature of my hospitality, I realized that so many people are unaware of the measure of intent that is needed to create a great impact. As a life coach, I came to the realization that this one specific skill is my personal zone of genius that can really help people move the needle on their goals. When I see my clients completely transform the way that they gather and the impact it has on their community, I know that I must keep showing up every day.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is being able to see outside the box and never retreat from the goals and visions of the life I choose. There are so many in the world that will belittle and shame visionary endeavors because they don't carry the same passion or it doesn't fit in some box that we've been trained to look for. Business can represent the best in us or the worst in us. Since we are all unique individuals, why would it look the same for everyone? By holding true to my own beliefs and integrity, I have been honored to inspire others to reach for their dreams. You don't have to know how to make it all happen. You only have to take one step at a time. Continued forward momentum separates the dreamers from the doers.

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

There's not a lot of built-in security when you start a business. In fact, the only security that you have is your faith in your skills and vision. Not having certainty of what tomorrow will bring is difficult. You have to know without a doubt why you're showing up for your business. I'm a bit of a solo thinker, so getting others to see my vision and support has sometimes been tough. Being a business owner is often lonely. Even when things are going well, the teams created are always in need of leadership and vision, and you don't ever get to stop working and leading. Somedays that feels hard. On other days it feels brave. And on the really good days, it feels magnificent!!! All of the work to grow a business is well rewarded if you can stay the course.

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

  1. Get really clear on why you must succeed.
  2. Lead with passion. If you don't believe in your business, why would anyone else?
  3. When the going gets hard, push one more time. And then one more time. Don't give up!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.gather4impact.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086928674260
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-kaye-945130152/

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.

Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.