Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Krista Rizzo, a certified coach, reinvention expert, speaker, and author, based in New York, NY, USA.

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

I'm a certified coach, reinvention expert, speaker, and author, but I really am a professional permission granter. Through supportive coaching and facilitated culture change, I help people and organizations overcome struggle — releasing the myth of perfection and learning how to do the work to get to the other side. My clients are entrepreneurs and corporations who are looking to create change for themselves or within their organizations successfully.

Tell us about yourself

First and foremost, I'm a mom of 2 amazing boys and partner (wife) to a very supportive husband. I started my coaching business 7 years ago after spending over 2 decades working in corporate. My decision to leave my job was based on many things, including a toxic work environment. After I left, I decided I wanted to try to "make a go of it on my own" and got certified as a life and business coach. I'm motivated every day by the power of change, and I know we all have the ability to contribute to it on a personal, professional, or global level.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is that I'm still here. I know it may sound silly, but being a business owner/entrepreneur is HARD. Like, it was the hardest thing I've ever done. There are so many things no one tells you about, and you have to be ready and willing to pivot when things on the outside change (global pandemic, anyone?).

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

One of the hardest things is staying focused, especially if you're a one-man band. It's so easy to get caught up in wanting to do all the things at the moment. But that causes distraction and isn't very productive. I've realized that there are things about running a business that I love and things that I don't love. Once that happened, I was better able to focus my attention on the things I wanted to and outsource the things I needed to.

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

  1. Don't wait until you're ready - you're never ready; jump in!
  2. Be thoughtful with your business, put a plan together, and figure out how to execute it.
  3. Ask for HELP - whether it's from friends asking them to promote your business or other entrepreneurs with whom you can exchange goods/services...there is always someone willing to help.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Make sure you're taking care of yourself every day. It's easy to put our own needs behind those of others, but it's imperative that we don't. Self-care, socialization, and connection are so vital for finding some type of balance (we know that doesn't truly exist) in your life.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.kristarizzo.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialkristarizzo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialkristarizzo/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristarizzo/

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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