Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kristin Ostrander, Founder of Mommy Income, located in Lake Orion, MI, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
At Mommy Income, I teach others to start and grow e-commerce businesses using my unique Wholesale Bundle System combined with the global power of the Amazon marketplace. Through my podcast, online courses, and membership programs, I offer continuing education and ongoing support for my clients who desire to create sustainable businesses for themselves.
Tell us about yourself
As high school sweethearts, my husband and I started our family very young, at 19. With his profession, commercial construction, being a feast or famine income, we were determined to make our dreams come true despite our limited options. I decided to learn e-commerce to supplement our income while still raising my children from home. Through years of ups and downs, including home foreclosure, we never gave up our dream. As my business grew, I had the desire to share my knowledge to give others the hope and the steps that they, too, could go from foreclosure to seven figures. I am most proud of showing my children that dreams are worth chasing and it's worth the work. Part of my legacy to them is my book, Dream Big, Step Small, where I share my recipe for creating the life of your dreams one step at a time.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
When I started Mommy Income, my biggest goal was to help others achieve the success I was seeing in my own life. I feel my purpose as an educator and coach is to see and unlock the potential in others by teaching, encouraging, and developing their skills so they can become successful themselves. I was certain I was on the right path when one of my students, after following my course, was able to build her business enough to quit her full-time job and finally spend more time with her son, whom she had waited so long to adopt. I feel honored to be a part of other people realizing their dreams! It brings me so much joy.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the biggest challenges I had to overcome was hiring a full-time employee for the first time. The thought of being responsible for someone's full-time salary was extremely scary to me. I had never been to a job interview, let alone be the conductor of one. I had to overcome the fear of letting go of control. I had to build trust with someone who would handle customer service and operations of my business, which took a lot of communication, planning, and evaluation. This was the best decision I've ever made in the business. By bringing her on, we grew 40% in the first year and have continued to increase in business each time we've made a new hire.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
First is commitment. You must commit to your dream. There will be challenges regularly, and you will need to push through them. Your dreams are worth the work, so keep taking small intentional steps toward your goals.
Second, consistency is the key. Whatever you commit to, do it often and do it with intention. Your results today are directly related to the consistent work you put in 6 months ago.
Third, connection. You cannot and should not run a business alone. If we are honest with ourselves, we do not excel at everything. Working within your own strengths and hiring out your weaknesses will bring tremendous growth to your business. There are people who enjoy the tasks you despise. The rising tide raises all ships, so seek out networking and collaboration in areas that are challenging for you. Always have a collaborative mindset.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://classes.mommyincome.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mommyincome
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mommyincome/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLv7b7zWcspDzYH3Iqk4VTw
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-ostrander/
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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